18th BRICS Summit

Why in News?

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 under its BRICS Presidency. India’s 2026 Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This will be India’s fourth BRICS Chairship, after its earlier presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

About BRICS

The term “BRIC” was coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 in the report “The World Needs Better Economic BRICs”, which identified Brazil, Russia, India and China as major emerging economies with significant future economic potential. BRIC was formally established as a political cooperation forum in 2006, and the first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009. The grouping initially advocated a more representative international financial system, greater voice for emerging economies in the IMF and World Bank, and an open, rules-based multilateral trading system.

South Africa joined in 2010, transforming BRIC into BRICS. A major expansion took place in January 2024, when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE became full members, followed by Indonesia in January 2025. BRICS now comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.

BRICS has evolved from an economic grouping into a broader platform for political, economic and development cooperation. Its expanded membership gives the grouping a wider geographical presence across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, along with significant demographic and economic weight.

The BRICS Presidency rotates annually, with each term running from 1 January to 31 December. India’s 2026 Presidency therefore provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among the expanded membership and advance the grouping’s priorities in areas such as resilience, innovation, sustainable development and reform of global governance institutions.

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