India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on 12 and 13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit comes 20 years after the formation of the BRICS diplomatic grouping and will be held under India’s 2026 chairship.
BRICS and its Expansion
BRICS began as a grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China, and South Africa joined later to form BRICS. The expanded alliance now includes 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Summit Theme and Agenda
India has set the summit theme as “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The agenda includes resilient global supply chains, cross-border payment integration, wider use of national currencies, artificial intelligence and reforms in multilateral financial institutions. The New Development Bank is one of the multilateral institutions linked with BRICS cooperation. BRICS discussions on payments and currencies are connected with trade settlement mechanisms among member states.
Preparatory Meetings and Side Events
India has organised more than 350 BRICS-related ministerial and working group meetings across over 25 Indian cities during its 2026 presidency. The BRICS Business Forum and the Women’s Business Alliance session are scheduled for 11 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam. The final meeting of BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors is scheduled in Mumbai on 9 and 10 September 2026. Such meetings are part of the annual BRICS preparatory process before the leaders’ summit.
Important Facts for Exams
- BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping that originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
- The New Development Bank was established by BRICS members in 2014.
- Bharat Mandapam is a convention centre in New Delhi used for major international meetings.
- BRICS has expanded beyond the original five members to include West Asian, African and Southeast Asian states.
Leaders and Diplomatic Context
Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to attend the summit in person. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend, and his visit would be his first to India since 2019 if it takes place.
