From 1 January 2026, India officially assumed the chairmanship of the BRICS group, the coalition of major emerging economies originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. India’s assumption of the BRICS Chairmanship marks a significant moment in its foreign policy and global economic engagement.
What Is BRICS?
BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation consisting of key emerging economies. Beyond the original five members, the group has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia as full members, making it a larger platform for cooperation among the Global South.
BRICS aims to enhance cooperation on economic growth, trade, technology, and sustainable development. It also provides a platform for emerging economies to boost their influence in global governance.
The Chairmanship Handover
India took over the BRICS chairship from Brazil. The formal handover took place during a meeting of BRICS Sherpas (senior diplomatic representatives of member states) in December 2025. India’s Sherpa, Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela, received the traditional gavel symbolising the chairmanship from Brazil’s Sherpa, Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio, marking the official start of India’s leadership for the year 2026.
India’s Leadership Role in 2026
India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026 coincides with the 20th anniversary of the BRICS grouping. The theme announced for this year is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” This theme reflects India’s emphasis on inclusive growth, technological collaboration, sustainable development, and cooperation among member countries.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched the official BRICS 2026 logo and website in January 2026 as part of India’s preparations under its chairmanship. The logo symbolises unity and shared purpose among BRICS countries, and the website serves as a hub for information on upcoming meetings and initiatives throughout the year.
What India’s Chairship Means
- Agenda Setting: As Chair, India will set the BRICS agenda for the year, including ministerial meetings, working groups, and the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be hosted in India in 2026.
- Global South Focus: India is expected to highlight issues of concern to developing and emerging economies, including equitable growth, sustainable development, technological innovation, and reforms in multilateral institutions.
- Enhanced Collaboration: India’s leadership comes at a time when BRICS represents a large portion of the world’s population, global GDP, and trade, making it an influential platform for global cooperation.
Why This Matters
- International Relations: BRICS chairmanship illustrates India’s role in global diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
- Global Governance: It shows how emerging economies work together to influence international economic and political norms.
- Economics and Policy: India’s focus on innovation and sustainability underlines priorities in global economic governance, relevant for questions on international economics and policy.
- Legal and Constitutional Context: Leadership in such forums involves international treaty commitments and diplomacy-related constitutional powers.
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Adtiya Aryan
Contributing author
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