India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, September 2026, using its BRICS presidency to strengthen its leadership role and emerge as a balanced voice representing the interests of the Global South. The Indian presidency is important as BRICS has become an important platform for cooperation among emerging and developing economies. The theme of India’s BRICS 2026 presidency is “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India is also expected to focus on the interests of developing countries and strengthening cooperation among the Global South. The summit is significant for India as it provides an opportunity to strengthen its relations with major economies and push for reforms in global institutions.

What is BRICS?

The full form of BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies and developing countries that promotes cooperation on economic, political, and global development issues. It was originally formed with five countries. The grouping has now expanded and includes several other countries. BRICS focuses on economic, financial, political and development-related cooperation among its members. The main areas of cooperation include trade, investment, development finance, technology, health, energy and sustainable development.

  • Brazil
  • Russia
  • India
  • China
  • South Africa

Extended Members of BRICS

The new members bring important economies and resources to the group and further strengthen cooperation among developing countries.

  • Egypt
  • Ethiopia
  • Iran
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  • Indonesia
  • Saudi Arabia

Why is BRICS Important for India?

BRICS is important for India because it provides a platform to work with major emerging economies and strengthen cooperation among developing countries. It also helps India strengthen economic, trade and diplomatic ties with other member countries.

1. Strengthening the Global South

India has been playing an important role in raising the concerns of developing countries.

Through BRICS, India can discuss issues such as:

  • Development finance
  • Food security
  • Energy security
  • Climate finance
  • Technology access
  • Reform of global institutions

India wants developing countries to have a stronger voice in global decision-making.

2. Reform of Global Institutions

India supports reforms in important global institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, IMF and World Bank. India believes that these institutions should better represent the present global economic and political situation. BRICS provides a platform where member countries can discuss these issues and support greater representation for developing countries.

3. Economic Cooperation

BRICS countries have large populations and significant economic importance. Greater cooperation among these countries can increase:

  • Trade
  • Investment
  • Financial cooperation
  • Technology partnerships
  • Digital payments

This can help developing economies increase their economic opportunities.

India’s Key Priorities in BRICS 2026

India’s BRICS presidency focuses on four major ideas: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Resilience

The global economy has faced several challenges such as geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and energy-price changes. India wants BRICS countries to cooperate so that developing economies can deal better with such global shocks.

Innovation

Technology is playing an important role in economic development.

India can share its experience in areas such as:

  • Digital payments
  • Financial technology
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Healthcare technology
  • Digital public infrastructure

Cooperation

India wants BRICS members to work together on common economic and developmental challenges. Greater cooperation can help member countries share knowledge, technology and resources.

Sustainability

Climate change and environmental protection are major global concerns. BRICS cooperation can focus on:

  • Renewable energy
  • Clean technology
  • Climate action
  • Sustainable development
  • Energy efficiency

UPI and Digital Payments

Digital financial cooperation is another important area for India. India has developed a large digital payment system through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). India can promote cooperation with BRICS countries in areas such as:

  • Digital payments
  • Fintech
  • Cross-border payments
  • Digital public infrastructure
  • Financial inclusion

Better cross-border payment systems can make international transactions easier and reduce transaction costs.

BRICS and MSMEs

MSMEs are important for employment generation and economic growth. Recognising the growing role of MSMEs in innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development, India can promote greater cooperation among BRICS countries in areas such as technology sharing, digital platforms, access to finance, skill development, market access, and cross-border trade opportunities:

  • MSME financing
  • Technology adoption
  • Digitalisation
  • Access to international markets
  • Cross-border trade

Such cooperation can help small businesses expand and become more competitive.

BRICS and Health Cooperation

Health is another important area of cooperation. BRICS countries can work together on:

  • Affordable medicines
  • Medical research
  • Healthcare technology
  • Disease surveillance
  • Capacity building

India has an important role in this area because of its large pharmaceutical and healthcare sector.

BRICS and Energy Security

Energy security has become increasingly important because geopolitical conflicts can affect global oil and gas supplies.

BRICS countries can cooperate in areas such as:

  • Renewable energy
  • Clean energy technology
  • Energy security
  • Sustainable development
  • Alternative energy sources

For India, energy security is especially important because the country imports a large amount of crude oil.

New Development Bank

The New Development Bank (NDB) is an important institution associated with BRICS. It was established by the BRICS countries to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China. It provides another source of development finance for developing countries. The NDB can support projects related to:

  • Roads and transport
  • Renewable energy
  • Water infrastructure
  • Urban development
  • Sustainable development

Difference between BRICS and G7

BRICS mainly represents emerging and developing economies, while the G7 is a group of major advanced economies. BRICS focuses strongly on economic cooperation, development and the concerns of the Global South. The G7 Summit mainly consists of advanced economies such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, Italy and Canada. BRICS is not a military alliance. It is mainly a platform for political, economic and development cooperation.

Conclusion

BRICS has become an important platform for cooperation among emerging economies. The 18th BRICS Summit, under India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026, provides an opportunity to promote economic cooperation, digital technology, sustainable development, and the interests of the Global South. For India, BRICS is also important for strengthening its role in a changing and increasingly multipolar world. Through greater cooperation in areas such as trade, finance, technology, health, and energy, India can contribute to building a more balanced and inclusive global order.