India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing leaders together to discuss cooperation, development, global issues and shared priorities.

India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

The high-level gathering will bring together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries, along with representatives from countries invited to participate in the summit's outreach initiatives.

The meeting is expected to provide an important platform for discussions on strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations and addressing major global and regional challenges.

“Humanity First” at the Centre of India's BRICS Presidency

India's BRICS Presidency for 2026 is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The theme reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of placing a people-centric approach at the heart of India's BRICS engagement.

The presidency is also rooted in the principle of “Humanity First”, highlighting India's focus on cooperation that delivers practical benefits for people and supports sustainable development.

Under this framework, BRICS members are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas of common interest.

Leaders to Discuss Global and Regional Issues

The summit will provide BRICS leaders with an opportunity to exchange views on important international and regional developments. Alongside discussions on the group's internal cooperation, leaders are expected to share perspectives on issues of mutual importance.

The agenda will focus on strengthening coordination among member countries while exploring practical approaches to common economic, political, social and developmental challenges.

More Than 350 BRICS Meetings Held Across India

India has conducted an extensive programme of BRICS-related engagements during its 2026 chairship. More than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have reportedly been organised across over 25 cities in different parts of the country.

These events have been aimed at strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership and expanding cooperation beyond meetings between political leaders.

The wide-ranging programme has also provided opportunities for businesses, policymakers, experts and civil society representatives to participate in India's BRICS activities.

Three Key Pillars of BRICS Cooperation

India's BRICS Presidency has focused on three fundamental pillars of cooperation.

1. Political and Security Cooperation

The first pillar focuses on strengthening dialogue and coordination on political and security-related matters.

BRICS members can use this platform to exchange perspectives on regional and international developments and explore areas where greater cooperation is possible.

2. Economic and Financial Cooperation

The second pillar covers economic and financial cooperation among BRICS countries.

It includes efforts to encourage trade, investment and stronger economic relationships while promoting development-oriented initiatives.

3. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

The third pillar focuses on cultural interaction and people-to-people connections.

Such initiatives aim to deepen relationships between societies through education, culture, youth engagement, business interactions and other exchanges.

Focus on Practical and Development-Oriented Outcomes

India's BRICS chairship has emphasised moving beyond dialogue towards practical and development-focused results.

Business-to-business initiatives and people-to-people programmes have been included alongside government-level engagements.

This broader approach is intended to strengthen connections among BRICS economies and societies while supporting cooperation in areas that directly affect development and economic growth.

The numerous meetings held across Indian cities have also helped showcase India's capabilities and create greater awareness about the country's economic, cultural and technological strengths.

India Has Held BRICS Chairship Four Times

India is one of the founding members of BRICS and has previously served as the group's chair in 2012, 2016 and 2021.

The country assumed the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time on January 1, 2026.

The latest presidency provides India with an opportunity to shape discussions within the grouping while highlighting priorities such as resilience, innovation, sustainability and inclusive development.

BRICS Marks 20 Years in 2026

The year 2026 is particularly significant for BRICS as the grouping completes 20 years since its establishment.

The anniversary gives the New Delhi summit additional importance as members look at the evolution of the grouping and consider its future direction.

Over the past two decades, BRICS has expanded its scope of cooperation and evolved into a significant platform for emerging and developing economies.

The 18th summit therefore comes at an important moment for the group as its members discuss how to strengthen cooperation in a changing global environment.

New Delhi Summit to Strengthen BRICS Partnership

The upcoming summit is expected to bring together the highest-level representatives of BRICS member and partner countries in India. The discussions will build on the meetings and engagements organised throughout India's year-long presidency.

By focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, India aims to promote a BRICS agenda that combines strategic coordination with practical outcomes.

The summit will also provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss how BRICS can contribute to addressing wider international challenges while strengthening cooperation among its members.

Conclusion

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 will be a major event during India's fourth BRICS Presidency. With its “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” theme and focus on “Humanity First,” India is seeking to promote stronger political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. The summit also carries added significance as BRICS marks 20 years since its establishment in 2026.