India is ready to host the 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi this week. Bharat Mandapam will host the event on September 12-13, 2026. Leaders from member and partner countries will attend the gathering. Moreover, several other leaders will join through outreach engagements.
India currently holds the BRICS presidency. This year’s theme focuses on building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. During the two-day summit, leaders will exchange views on global and regional matters. Furthermore, they will discuss stronger BRICS cooperation around shared priorities.
Under India’s presidency, over 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already taken place. These events covered more than 25 Indian cities. Meanwhile, BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors will hold their final meeting in Mumbai. The gathering will take place on September 9-10. Therefore, it comes only days before the leaders’ summit.
BRICS Completes 20 Years As India Takes Fourth Presidency
BRICS began as an informal grouping in 2006. Subsequently, its first formal summit took place on June 16, 2009. Today, the grouping brings together 11 major developing countries. Members include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and UAE. Together, they use the platform for dialogue and cooperation on contemporary global and regional issues.
India remains a founding BRICS member. Earlier, New Delhi held the presidency during 2012, 2016 and 2021. Subsequently, India assumed its fourth presidency on January 1, 2026. This year also marks 20 years since BRICS began.
Why BRICS Matters for India and What Delhi Could Seek
BRICS brings India, China and Russia onto one platform. Additionally, it connects New Delhi with major developing economies and energy-producing nations. The grouping gives India an important platform to represent developing and emerging economies. This role also supports a central objective of its foreign policy.
Through BRICS, India can remain engaged with China and Russia. At the same time, it can maintain partnerships with America, Europe, Japan, Australia and others. Moreover, BRICS consistently seeks reforms within the United Nations, International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Members argue that these institutions inadequately reflect the economic strength of emerging economies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s possible attendance carries particular significance. His participation could help manage difficult India-China relations. Meanwhile, Enso Group Managing Director and Enso Foundation President Vaibhav Maloo outlined possible priorities for India. He suggested using the presidency to accelerate export payments and reduce certification difficulties. Additionally, Maloo recommended seeking funding for infrastructure projects through the platform.
