BRICS Summit New Delhi 2026: Everything You Need to Know
BRICS Summit New Delhi 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi was one of the most important international meetings hosted by India this year. The 18th BRICS Summit took place on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from the expanded BRICS membership to discuss economic cooperation, global governance, technology, energy, trade, health, sustainability and other major international issues. India held the BRICS chairship in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
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What Is BRICS?
BRICS is a cooperation platform that brings together major emerging economies. The grouping originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Its membership expanded significantly, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia joining the group.
In 2026, BRICS has 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. Together, these countries represent around 49.5% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.
The expansion has given BRICS a wider geographical reach and increased its importance in discussions about the Global South and the future of international economic cooperation.
When and Where Was the Summit Held?
The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. India hosted the summit as part of its fourth BRICS chairship. The main programme was held in New Delhi, with Bharat Mandapam serving as an important venue for the leaders' activities.
India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026. Throughout the year, India organised hundreds of meetings and engagements covering political, economic, financial, cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
What Was the Theme of BRICS 2026?
India's theme for the 2026 BRICS chairship was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The theme reflected India's effort to make BRICS more focused on practical cooperation. It also placed importance on development, innovation, sustainability and the priorities of the Global South.
The summit's discussions were connected with the idea that countries need stronger partnerships to deal with economic uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, technological changes, climate challenges and geopolitical tensions.
Who Participated in the Summit?
The summit brought together leaders from the expanded BRICS membership along with representatives from partner countries and outreach invitees.
Among the major leaders present were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The participation of leaders from countries with different political and economic interests made the summit particularly significant.
The expanded membership also meant that the summit represented a wider range of regions, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
Major Issues Discussed
The BRICS Summit 2026 covered a wide range of issues. Global governance and multilateral cooperation were major subjects, while economic and financial cooperation remained central to the group's agenda.
Leaders also discussed food security, energy security, healthcare, technology, artificial intelligence, trade, investment, critical supply chains, sustainability and international conflicts.
These issues are closely connected. Problems involving energy, food, technology and supply chains can affect economic growth and people's daily lives across different countries.
Economic and Financial Cooperation
Economic cooperation was one of the most important areas of the summit. BRICS countries discussed ways to strengthen trade and investment among member economies and make international economic relationships more resilient.
Cross-border payments and the use of local currencies also received attention. Rather than creating a single BRICS currency, the focus was on improving existing payment systems and encouraging trade settlements and investment in local currencies.
The New Development Bank was also part of the financial discussions, including efforts to expand local-currency financing and diversify funding sources.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Technology has become an increasingly important part of the BRICS agenda. Artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and innovation can have a major impact on economic development.
At the New Delhi Summit, BRICS countries discussed responsible and inclusive development of artificial intelligence and the importance of ensuring that developing countries can benefit from new technologies. China also promoted initiatives related to AI cooperation and an AI Open Source Zone.
India also promoted initiatives involving digital public infrastructure, industrial skills and technology cooperation.
Energy and Food Security
Energy security was another important issue because disruptions in energy markets can affect inflation, transportation and industrial production.
BRICS countries discussed energy cooperation and the need for resilient supply chains. Critical minerals were also important because they are essential for many modern technologies, renewable energy systems and advanced industries.
Food security was similarly important. Cooperation in agriculture, agricultural technology and food systems can help countries deal with supply disruptions and changing environmental conditions.
Health and Resilience
Healthcare and disaster preparedness were also part of India's BRICS agenda.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an early warning system for infectious diseases during the summit. Such cooperation can help countries exchange information more quickly when new health threats emerge.
Health cooperation is especially relevant for developing countries because stronger systems can improve preparedness while encouraging the sharing of knowledge and resources.
New Delhi Declaration
One of the biggest outcomes of the summit was the New Delhi Declaration.
The declaration brought together BRICS members' positions on economic cooperation, global governance, international security and development. It supported stronger cooperation in areas such as local-currency trade, cross-border payments, artificial intelligence, food security, energy and sustainable development.
The declaration also addressed international conflicts and called for dialogue, restraint and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
India's Role
India played a central role throughout the 2026 BRICS process because it was both the chair and host of the summit.
India's priorities included strengthening economic cooperation, promoting innovation, supporting sustainable development and giving developing countries a stronger voice in global institutions.
The summit also provided India with an opportunity to hold bilateral discussions with important partners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines to discuss improving bilateral relations, trade and border stability.
Why the Summit Matters
The BRICS Summit matters because the grouping represents a significant part of the world's population and economy. Its members include major producers, consumers, energy suppliers, manufacturing economies and rapidly developing markets.
The expanded BRICS structure also gives developing countries another platform for discussing international economic and political issues.
At the same time, the diversity of BRICS members creates challenges. Countries do not always agree on international conflicts, trade policies or foreign-policy issues. Reaching consensus therefore requires considerable diplomatic effort.
The successful adoption of a joint declaration showed that cooperation remains possible even when member countries have different interests.
What Happens Next?
The conclusion of the New Delhi Summit does not mean that BRICS cooperation ends. The commitments made by leaders now need to be implemented through practical projects, investment, research, technology partnerships and continued diplomatic engagement.
China will take over the BRICS chairship for the next term. The initiatives developed during India's chairship can therefore become part of the group's longer-term programme.
The future of BRICS will depend largely on its ability to turn declarations into measurable results. Stronger trade links, better payment systems, technology cooperation and sustainable development projects could provide tangible benefits for member countries.
Conclusion
The BRICS Summit New Delhi 2026 was an important moment for India and the wider Global South. The summit brought together an expanded group of emerging economies to discuss some of the world's biggest challenges and opportunities.
From trade and investment to artificial intelligence, energy, food security, health and global governance, the discussions covered issues that directly affect the future of the international economy.
India's chairship focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while the New Delhi Declaration provided a framework for continued collaboration. The next challenge is to convert these commitments into practical action.
As BRICS continues to expand and develop, its role in global cooperation is likely to remain an important subject of international discussion. The New Delhi Summit has added a significant new chapter to that process and demonstrated India's growing role in shaping conversations about the future of global cooperation.