What is BRICS and why is the BRICS Summit 2026 important for India?

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi under its fourth BRICS Chairship.

BRICS currently has 11 members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. India’s 2026 Chairship theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

More than 350 meetings and high-level engagements across 25+ Indian cities have already taken place during India’s Chairship. Leaders at the summit are expected to discuss trade, finance, technology, energy, climate action, global governance and stronger cooperation among BRICS countries.

Delhi has also introduced major traffic and security arrangements, with thousands of personnel deployed ahead of visiting world leaders.