Editorial
BRICS is a multilateral forum consisting of 11 member states (Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE) representing 49.5% of global population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade. The diversity in the group brings together major markets, natural resources, technological capabilities and varied development experiences. BRICS agenda includes terrorism, climate change, food and energy security, trade and agriculture. Its major advocacy is equity in international institutions and global financial architecture. It is fast emerging from crisis to collective action on the globe and has witnessed evolution from continuity to consensus over the last 20 years.
India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12-13, 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which marked the 20th years of its establishment. Theme was deftly chosen as ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, to redefine the BRICS and bring inclusivity. India rightly placed the concerns of the Global South at the forefront of the agenda. India assumed the Chairship of BIRCS in January 2026 for the fourth time which was a significant milestone as it also marked the 20th anniversary of its institutionalized cooperation. India vouched to advance the forum with a people-centric approach and the spirit of ‘Humanity First’ which truly marked the BRICS cooperation as increasingly practical, forward-looking, and responsive to the priorities of people. The discussions during the course of the Summit reaffirmed the foundations of BRICS cooperation to be anchored in mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus, with differences to be addressed through dialogue and consultations.
Over the last eight months India organized more than 350 meetings; including in–person, virtual, across thematic clusters, ministerial meetings, working group meetings, business sessions, people-centric activities and initiatives. Presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping alongside the Head of other membercountries speaks volume about the robust participation and its growing engagement with the Global South. India called for a stronger implementation and continuity mechanism within BRICS and proposed a ‘Troika’ arrangement and a secure digital repository to ensure that decisions taken by the grouping are followed up.
B.K