Current Context: India will host the 18th BRICS Summit on 12–13 September 2026 in New Delhi under its BRICS Chairship 2026. This is India's fourth BRICS Chairship, after 2012, 2016 and 2021. The summit will bring together leaders of BRICS countries to discuss economic cooperation, global governance, sustainable development, technology, security and issues affecting the Global South.
Key Points:
- The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026.
- India holds the BRICS Chairship from 1 January to 31 December 2026. This is India's fourth time chairing the grouping, following 2012, 2016 and 2021.
- The overarching theme of India's BRICS Chairship 2026 is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. The first letters of the four priorities form the word BRICS.
- India's 2026 Chairship follows a people-centric and Humanity First approach, with emphasis on practical cooperation among member countries.
- BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- Together, the BRICS countries account for nearly half of the world's population and around 40% of global GDP, making the grouping an important platform for emerging and developing economies.
- Major areas of discussion under India's Chairship include trade and investment, financial cooperation, digital transformation, innovation, energy security, climate action, health, education, agriculture and sustainable development.
- India is also emphasising the priorities and concerns of the Global South, including reform of global institutions and stronger representation of developing economies in international decision-making.
- Several BRICS ministerial and working-group meetings are being organised across India during 2026. These engagements will culminate in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit, although final details of his visit had not been officially confirmed as of late August 2026.
Question
Q1. What is the theme of India's BRICS Chairship 2026?a) One Earth, One Family, One Future
b) Strengthening the Global South
c) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
d) Inclusive Growth through Global Cooperation
Answer: c) The 2026 Chairship theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, focusing on stronger cooperation among BRICS countries in economic development, innovation, sustainability and global governance.
