BRICS Summit 2026 is set to bring leaders of 11 member countries together in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September. India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam as part of its 2026 BRICS chairship. The meeting comes two decades after the grouping began and takes place at a time when countries are discussing global trade, technology, financial cooperation and changes in the international system.

India Leads the 2026 BRICS Presidency

India is holding the BRICS chair in 2026 and has planned a wide programme of meetings throughout the year. More than 350 BRICS-related ministerial and working-level meetings have been organised across more than 25 Indian cities. These meetings have covered areas such as finance, trade, technology, health, business and sustainable development.

The BRICS Summit in New Delhi will bring the discussions to the leaders’ level. The main meeting will allow heads of government and state to discuss common priorities and ways to strengthen cooperation among member countries.

BRICS Has Expanded to 11 Members

BRICS originally brought together Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa later joined the grouping, creating the five-member format that became widely known as BRICS.

The group has since expanded significantly. The current 11 members are Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The expansion has increased the geographic and economic reach of BRICS. The group now includes major countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America. This has also created new discussions about trade, investment, energy, finance and cooperation between developing economies.

Theme Focuses on Resilience and Innovation

India has selected the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” for its 2026 BRICS presidency. The theme reflects several issues currently affecting the global economy.

The BRICS Summit agenda is expected to include discussions on stronger global supply chains, digital payments, the use of national currencies in international trade, artificial intelligence and reforms in global financial institutions.

Supply-chain resilience has become an important issue after disruptions caused by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and conflicts in different parts of the world. BRICS countries are also exploring ways to make trade and financial systems more efficient.

Digital Payments and National Currencies

Financial cooperation is another major area of discussion within BRICS. Member countries have been looking at ways to improve cross-border payments and make international transactions easier.

The use of national currencies for trade is also part of the wider conversation. Such arrangements could reduce dependence on a single currency for some transactions, although each country will continue to follow its own monetary and financial policies.

The New Development Bank, established by BRICS countries in 2014, is another important part of the group’s financial cooperation. The bank supports infrastructure and sustainable development projects in member and other developing countries.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes a Key Topic

Artificial intelligence is expected to receive attention during the BRICS Summit as countries examine both its economic opportunities and risks. AI is increasingly being used in manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, education and public administration.

BRICS discussions on AI can include digital infrastructure, responsible technology development, skills, data and access to new technologies. Cooperation in these areas could become more important as countries compete to develop their own AI capabilities.

Business and Finance Meetings

Several major events are being held before the leaders’ meeting. The BRICS Business Forum and the Women’s Business Alliance session are scheduled for 11 September at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Finance Ministers and central bank governors from BRICS countries are also meeting in Mumbai on 9 and 10 September. These discussions are expected to focus on financial cooperation and economic issues affecting member countries.

These preparatory meetings form an important part of the BRICS Summit process because many technical and policy matters are discussed before leaders meet.

Leaders and Global Diplomatic Engagement

The New Delhi summit is also attracting attention because of the expected participation of major world leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to attend the meeting in person. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to participate.

The presence of leaders from major economies makes the BRICS Summit an important diplomatic event for India. Discussions among the member countries can cover international economic cooperation, trade, technology, energy and wider global developments.

Bharat Mandapam to Host the Summit

Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi will serve as the main venue for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The convention centre has previously hosted major international meetings and diplomatic events.

India’s 2026 BRICS programme is therefore bringing together government officials, business representatives, financial institutions and political leaders through a series of meetings across the country. The September leaders’ meeting will be the main event of this year-long programme.