The 2026 BRICS Summit : Managing Global Transition
By: Dr Ghazzala Shabbana, Assistant Professor, Centre for West Asian Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
The 18th BRICS Summit was recently concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 12-13 September 2026.
This Summit witnessed a few milestones which took BRICS well beyond its earlier role of providing an alternative to the western economies.
The transformation from its earlier years to the broad-based convention which today includes 11 member nations and many partner states is a clear proof of the increasing convergence of interests. It shows the need for more unity of mind and commitment among the participating countries.
This year the theme of the summit was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
All member states under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adopted the “New Delhi Declaration”. India put the interests and concerns of the Global South at the heart of the Summit.
Another highlight was the emphasis on encouraging and speeding trade settlements in local currencies and establishing alternative payment channels.
India has always been clear on its stand on zero tolerance to cross border terrorism. It reached out to all member states to continue and increase their efforts to stop any form of terrorism.
New Delhi Summit also pointed towards the real operational problems faced by member states. As all members have varied economic and geographical interests, it leads to natural friction and divergence of views.
The joint presence of Iran and UAE at the New Delhi Summit was challenging. This was in view of the ongoing tension in the Middle East and relations between the two states.
It is in this context that a proper rational and methodological approach be considered for integration and stabilization of the group in such difficult and changing scenarios.
Both China and Russia have openly expressed their support for India and Brazil to play a more important role at the UN Security Council.
Strategic Outlook for the future:
It is important that all BRICS members should remain united on a few major issues impacting all states. They must refrain from any act which directly or indirectly weakens the unity of the group.
The success of the New Delhi summit should be capitalized to further realize and reinforce the vision of BRICS.
At the same time, it is important that no one member of BRICS dominates the decision-making process. The legitimate interests of all member nations must be addressed in an amicable manner.
