India is preparing to host the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing leaders of some of the world’s biggest emerging economies together at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. The 18th BRICS Summit will put economic cooperation, global governance and major international conflicts under the spotlight.
From BRIC to an expanded BRICS
The story of BRICS dates back to 2001, when economist Jim O’Neill coined “BRIC” for Brazil, Russia, India and China. Political cooperation took shape in 2006, while the first leaders’ summit was held in Russia in 2009.
South Africa joined the grouping in 2010, turning BRIC into BRICS. The bloc later underwent its biggest expansion, adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while Indonesia joined in 2025. The grouping now has 11 member countries.
India is holding the BRICS presidency for the fourth time. Its 2026 theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” More than 350 meetings and high-level engagements across over 25 Indian cities have been planned under the presidency.
Why BRICS Summit 2026 matters
This year’s summit arrives amid wars, trade tensions and debate over the future of the global financial system. BRICS members are also exploring greater use of local currencies and alternative payment mechanisms, although differences between their financial systems remain a challenge.
The Middle East crisis is expected to be particularly difficult. Iran is a BRICS member, while geopolitical differences within the expanded grouping could complicate efforts to reach a common position.
Attention will also be on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interactions with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Xi’s visit is especially significant as it is his first trip to India since 2019.
The BRICS Summit 2026 will therefore test whether an increasingly powerful but diverse grouping can translate its growing global weight into meaningful collective action.
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