India BRICS Summit 2026 will take place in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September 2026, with India hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. India is holding the BRICS chairship in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The summit is expected to bring together leaders of BRICS member countries for discussions on economic cooperation, trade, technology, energy, development and global issues.

India to Host the 18th BRICS Summit

The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that the 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi. The two-day meeting will be one of the major diplomatic events hosted by India during its 2026 BRICS chairship.

India assumed the BRICS chairship on 1 January 2026. During its chairship, India has been organising meetings, ministerial discussions and other programmes across different parts of the country. More than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have reportedly been organised across 25 Indian cities as part of the year’s BRICS activities.

The main summit in September will provide an opportunity for BRICS leaders to discuss common economic and strategic interests and strengthen cooperation among member countries.

BRICS Has Expanded Beyond Its Original Five Members

BRICS originally represented Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping began as BRIC and became BRICS after South Africa joined in 2010.

In recent years, the grouping has expanded with the addition of countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The expansion has increased the geographic and economic reach of BRICS and has given the grouping a broader role in discussions on the global economy and international cooperation.

The growing membership also means that the BRICS agenda now covers a wider range of interests, including energy security, trade, development finance, technology and cooperation among countries of the Global South.

India’s BRICS Chairship Focuses on Resilience and Innovation

India’s theme for the 2026 chairship is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The theme highlights India’s focus on making BRICS cooperation more practical in areas that affect economic and social development.

Resilience is particularly important in the present global environment, where countries face challenges such as supply-chain disruptions, energy security concerns, climate-related events and geopolitical tensions. Innovation and digital cooperation are also becoming important parts of international partnerships.

During India’s chairship, discussions have included areas such as digital public infrastructure, technology, artificial intelligence, trade, sustainable development, finance and energy cooperation.

Bharat Mandapam to Host the Summit

The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, one of India’s major international convention and exhibition venues. The venue became widely known during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, when it hosted several important international meetings.

For the BRICS Summit, authorities are preparing arrangements covering security, transportation, accommodation and coordination between different agencies. A multi-layered security system is expected around the summit venue, important transit routes and designated hotels.

The event will also place New Delhi in the international spotlight as leaders and senior representatives from BRICS countries gather for high-level discussions.

2026 Marks 20 Years of BRICS

The 2026 summit has added significance because it marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS. The grouping was formed in 2006 as BRIC, bringing together Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined later, turning BRIC into BRICS.

The first BRICS Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. Since then, the annual summit has developed into an important platform for cooperation among major emerging economies.

India has previously held the BRICS chairship in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The 2026 chairship therefore gives India another opportunity to shape the group’s priorities and strengthen its role in multilateral diplomacy.

Key Areas Expected at the Delhi Summit

The BRICS Summit is likely to focus on several major areas of international cooperation. These include:

Trade and investment: Improving economic links and reducing barriers among member countries.
Energy cooperation: Discussing energy security, supply chains and sustainable energy.
Digital technology: Promoting cooperation in digital systems, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Development finance: Strengthening cooperation through BRICS financial institutions.
Climate and sustainability: Supporting development while addressing environmental challenges.
Global governance: Discussing reforms and greater representation for emerging and developing economies.
Food and energy security: Addressing issues that affect economic stability and developing countries.
People-to-people cooperation: Expanding cooperation in education, culture, science and other areas.

New Development Bank and BRICS Cooperation

An important institution associated with BRICS is the New Development Bank (NDB). It was established in 2014 to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries and other eligible developing economies.

The bank has become an important part of BRICS financial cooperation. Discussions around development finance are particularly relevant as developing countries seek funding for infrastructure, clean energy, transport, water and other projects.

India’s Growing Role in Global Diplomacy

The India BRICS Summit 2026 comes at a time when India is increasing its engagement with different international groupings and forums. Hosting the summit gives India an opportunity to bring together countries with different economic systems, political interests and regional priorities.

BRICS itself has become a wider platform for dialogue among emerging economies. The expanded membership also creates opportunities for cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, technology and development.

The September summit will therefore be closely watched for new initiatives, joint statements and decisions that could shape cooperation within the expanded BRICS framework.

BRICS Summit 2026: Important Details

Event: 18th BRICS Summit
Host country: India
Host city: New Delhi
Dates: 12–13 September 2026
Venue: Bharat Mandapam
India’s BRICS chairship: 2026
Chairship theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
BRICS formed: 2006
First BRICS Summit: 2009, Yekaterinburg, Russia
New Development Bank: Established in 2014
Significance of 2026: 20 years of BRICS