Next BRICS Summit to be Held in India: Rio Declaration Confirms India’s Chairship for 2026
Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (TND) – In a significant diplomatic development, the final declaration of the Rio de Janeiro BRICS Summit 2025 has officially confirmed that the next BRICS Summit (XVIII) will be hosted by India in 2026. The declaration affirmed full support from all member nations for India’s upcoming BRICS Chairship, marking a new chapter in India’s multilateral leadership journey.
“We extend full support to India for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the holding of the XVIII BRICS Summit in India,” read the official declaration adopted at the conclusion of the XVII BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This announcement has placed India at the forefront of shaping the future direction of the BRICS grouping, now expanded to include 11 member nations after the 2023 enlargement.
What is BRICS? A Quick Overview
The BRICS bloc originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa was established as a coalition of emerging economies committed to multipolar world governance and south-south cooperation.
Following a significant expansion in 2023, the current BRICS+ includes:
- Brazil
- Russia
- India
- China
- South Africa
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Iran
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- Argentina
This expansion has added strategic, economic, and geopolitical weight to the group, making BRICS+ a formidable voice in global forums such as the UN, WTO, IMF, and G20.
Why Hosting the 2026 BRICS Summit Matters for India
India’s assumption of the BRICS Chairship in 2026 and the hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit carries immense symbolic and strategic value. As a founding member of BRICS, India has consistently advocated for:
- Multilateralism and inclusive global governance
- Reform of global institutions like the UN Security Council
- Equitable development and technology transfer
- Strengthening south-south cooperation
Hosting the 2026 summit gives India the opportunity to:
- 1. Set the agenda on global south priorities
- 2. Push for institutional reforms
- 3. Reassert leadership in multilateral platforms
- 4. Enhance partnerships with newer members like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE
India’s Past BRICS Leadership: A Track Record
India previously held the BRICS Chairship in:
- 2012 (New Delhi)
- 2016 (Goa)
- 2021 (Virtual)
Each of these summits saw India pushing core themes like:
- Inclusive development
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Digital public infrastructure (DPI)
- Climate action
- Health resilience post-COVID
In 2021, under India’s Chairship, the BRICS grouping launched the BRICS Vaccine Research & Development Centre and discussed supply chain resilience highlighting India’s proactive stance.
Where Will the 2026 BRICS Summit Be Held?
While the exact city and venue for the 2026 summit are yet to be officially announced, speculation points to several possible host cities in India, including:
| City | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | Capital, diplomatic hub, secure infrastructure |
| Hyderabad | Tech-savvy, cosmopolitan, global access |
| Mumbai | Financial hub, business-friendly environment |
| Ahmedabad | G20 experience, modern infrastructure |
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is expected to finalize the location by early 2026.
Key Highlights of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil
The 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro concluded with a comprehensive declaration, which focused on:
- Strengthening BRICS+ cooperation
- Enhancing trade in local currencies
- Supporting UN reforms
- Combating climate change
- Reaffirming respect for international law and multilateralism
Most notably, the final communique endorsed India’s Chairship for 2026, sending a clear signal about intra-BRICS unity and consensus.
What India Brings to the BRICS+
India is uniquely positioned to lead BRICS+ into a new era of multilateral cooperation, especially given its:
- Rapid economic growth (projected to become 3rd largest economy by 2030)
- Digital innovation (e.g., Aadhaar, UPI, ONDC)
- Democratic governance model
- Geopolitical leverage in South Asia and Indo-Pacific
- Strong diplomatic network through G20, QUAD, SCO, and I2U2
India’s BRICS Chairship will likely emphasize:
| Priority Area | India’s Strategic Contribution |
|---|---|
| Climate & Sustainability | International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE |
| Digital Public Infrastructure | Aadhaar, UPI, CoWIN, Digital Stack exports |
| Healthcare & Vaccines | India’s vaccine diplomacy and pharma leadership |
| Reform of Multilateral Bodies | UNSC reform advocacy, Global South representation |
| Trade in National Currencies | UPI-Ruble-Dirham corridor development possibilities |
Statements from Leaders
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude and enthusiasm upon India’s confirmation as the BRICS Chair for 2026:
“India looks forward to welcoming BRICS leaders for the XVIII BRICS Summit in 2026. Together, we will shape a more inclusive, equitable, and representative global order.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the 2025 BRICS Chair, also welcomed India’s leadership:
“We have full faith in India’s leadership and its ability to carry forward the spirit of BRICS into the future.”
BRICS vs G7: A Shifting Global Balance?
The growing influence of BRICS, especially with new members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, is increasingly being seen as a counterbalance to the G7.
| Bloc | Members | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| BRICS+ | 11 countries incl. oil and tech giants | Population, natural resources, south-south trade |
| G7 | US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan | Capital flows, technology, institutions |
With India leading the BRICS bloc in 2026, the world may witness further debates around:
- De-dollarization
- Global governance reforms
- Multipolar economic systems
Timeline: Upcoming BRICS Leadership
| Year | Host Country | BRICS Chair |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | South Africa | Cyril Ramaphosa |
| 2024 | Russia | Vladimir Putin |
| 2025 | Brazil | Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva |
| 2026 | India | Narendra Modi (Expected) |
Conclusion: India’s Moment to Lead
India’s upcoming BRICS Chairship in 2026 and its role as host of the 18th BRICS Summit is more than just symbolic. It signifies a moment where India is trusted by peers, admired for its reforms, and respected as a bridge between the developing and developed world.
As global tensions mount and institutions face legitimacy challenges, BRICS 2026 under India’s leadership could become a landmark summit in the annals of modern diplomacy.
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