BRICS Summit 2026: What Happened, India’s Role, Key Decisions and New Delhi Declaration

The BRICS Summit 2026 concluded in New Delhi after two days of high-level discussions on global governance, trade, finance, artificial intelligence, health, climate change, terrorism, energy security and major geopolitical conflicts.

The 18th BRICS Summit was held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12–13, 2026, under India's chairship and the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration, containing 140 points, covering political, economic, financial, technological, environmental and people-to-people cooperation. (PM India)

BRICS Summit 2026: Quick Overview

Particular	Details
Summit	18th BRICS Summit
Date	September 12–13, 2026
Venue	Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Host Country	India
BRICS Chair	India
Theme	Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Major Outcome	New Delhi Declaration
Declaration	140 points
India's Chairship	2026
Next Chair	China, 2027
Major Areas	Trade, finance, AI, health, climate, energy, security and global governance

The final declaration says that more than 400 meetings and engagements involving ministers, parliamentarians, officials, experts, businesses and civil society were held in 30 cities across India during the 2026 BRICS chairship. (PM India)

What Is BRICS?

BRICS is a major cooperation platform of emerging economies and developing countries.

The expanded grouping now has 11 members and represents a very large share of the world's population and global economic output. Current reporting puts its combined economic weight at roughly 40% of global GDP. (Al Jazeera)

The original BRIC grouping was formed around Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined later, giving the group the name BRICS. The grouping has subsequently expanded with countries from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

The 2026 summit was particularly significant because it came during the 20th anniversary year of BRICS. The leaders described this as an important moment for the grouping's future direction. (PM India)

Why Was the 2026 BRICS Summit Important?

The summit took place during a period of significant international uncertainty.

Major issues on the table included:

West Asia tensions
Gaza and the Palestinian issue
Russia-Ukraine conflict
Trade restrictions and tariffs
Unilateral economic sanctions
Energy and supply-chain security
Reform of the UN and international financial institutions
Artificial intelligence governance
Climate change
Critical minerals
Global health security
Terrorism and cross-border financing

India attempted to keep the BRICS agenda focused on practical cooperation rather than turning the organisation into an explicitly anti-Western bloc. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described BRICS as a platform that should not be “against anyone” and argued that the Global South should become a rule-shaper in global affairs. (Al Jazeera)

India's Role in BRICS Summit 2026

India's role was much larger than simply hosting the leaders' meeting.

India held the BRICS chairship throughout 2026 and designed the year's agenda around four themes:

Resilience
Innovation
Cooperation
Sustainability

The final declaration specifically praised the progress achieved under India's chairship and highlighted India's practical, inclusive and people-centred approach. (PM India)

More Than 400 BRICS Meetings Across India

One of India's biggest contributions was to decentralise BRICS activities beyond New Delhi.

According to the final declaration, more than 400 meetings and engagements were organised across 30 Indian cities during the chairship year.

These involved:

Ministers
Parliamentarians
Government officials
Business leaders
Experts
Academics
Youth
Civil society
BRICS institutions

This helped India connect the BRICS agenda with areas such as education, health, transport, urban development, business, technology and culture. (PM India)

1. New Delhi Declaration Adopted With 140 Points

The biggest formal outcome was the New Delhi Declaration.

The document contains 140 points covering political, security, economic, financial, environmental, technological and social cooperation.

The declaration reaffirmed the BRICS principles of:

Sovereign equality
Mutual respect
Consensus
Inclusiveness
Cooperation
Multilateralism
Sustainable development

It also supported a stronger voice for emerging markets and developing countries in global institutions. (PM India)

The declaration is primarily a political and cooperative framework. It should not be interpreted as a single legally binding treaty that automatically changes domestic laws in every member country.

2. Major Decision on Global Governance Reform

One of India's long-standing priorities is reform of international institutions.

The BRICS declaration called for a more representative international system and reiterated support for reform of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council.

Importantly, China and Russia reiterated support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including the Security Council. (PM India)

The declaration also called for greater representation of emerging markets and developing economies in institutions such as:

IMF
World Bank
WTO

BRICS members argued that the current structures should better reflect changes in the global economy. (PM India)

Why this matters for India

India has consistently sought permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council.

Therefore, the explicit reference to India's aspirations in the BRICS declaration is diplomatically significant.

3. BRICS Took a Position Against Unilateral Tariffs and Sanctions

Trade was another major issue.

The declaration expressed concern about the increase in unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort international trade.

BRICS members called for a more:

Open
Fair
Predictable
Inclusive
Rules-based

multilateral trading system.

The declaration also criticised unilateral coercive economic measures and sanctions that are not authorised by the UN Security Council. (PM India)

Importantly, the declaration did not name the United States directly in its criticism of tariffs.

This was a politically careful formulation because several BRICS countries have major bilateral trade relationships with the US. (Al Jazeera)

4. No BRICS Common Currency Was Announced

This is an important point because social media often exaggerates BRICS financial decisions.

The New Delhi Declaration does not announce the creation of a new BRICS common currency.

Instead, BRICS countries agreed to continue work on cross-border payment mechanisms and explore trade settlements and investment using BRICS local currencies, while respecting each country's national priorities.

The BRICS Payment Task Force was encouraged to continue developing payment solutions that are faster, cheaper, safer and more accessible. (PM India)

So the accurate headline is:

BRICS strengthens local-currency and cross-border payment cooperation — but no common BRICS currency was launched at the 2026 summit.

5. New BRICS Risk Lab Proposed by India

One of India's most interesting economic initiatives was the proposal for a BRICS Risk Lab.

Members expressed interest in taking forward India's proposal to host the facility at GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat.

The proposal is linked to cooperation in:

Risk management
Insurance
Reinsurance
Financial resilience

The declaration says discussions will continue regarding the proposal and enhanced BRICS reinsurance capacity. (PM India)

This could potentially strengthen India's position as a financial-services hub for BRICS cooperation.

6. BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal Launched Under India's Chairship

Another important India-led outcome involved the New Development Bank (NDB).

The declaration welcomed the launch of the BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal under India's chairship.

The portal is designed to bring together:

Development experiences
Best practices
Policy innovations
Country programmes
NDB-financed project experience

It is intended to preserve institutional knowledge across successive BRICS chairships. (PM India)

The declaration also supported the continued expansion of NDB financing capacity, including greater use of local-currency financing.

7. Major Health Decision: BRICS Integrated Early Warning System

Health security was one of the strongest practical outcomes.

The declaration welcomed the establishment of a dedicated Sub-Working Group to advance the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for the prevention and response to mass infectious diseases.

The idea is to strengthen:

Disease surveillance
Early warning
Information sharing
Preparedness
Rapid response
Cooperation against infectious diseases

The declaration also highlighted the importance of addressing zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance. (PM India)

This is particularly important because infectious diseases can cross national borders quickly.

8. BRICS and Artificial Intelligence

AI was another major area of discussion.

The declaration recognised the potential of artificial intelligence to support:

Economic growth
Sustainable development
Healthcare
Energy systems
Innovation
Public services

At the same time, BRICS emphasised the need for AI to be:

Safe
Secure
Inclusive
Reliable
Energy-efficient
Human-centred

The declaration also recognised India's AI Impact Summit held in February 2026 and said it could contribute to international cooperation on AI. (PM India)

India also welcomed the establishment of the India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies (ICBIC) as part of cooperation on new industrialisation and emerging technologies. (PM India)

9. Critical Minerals and Energy Security

BRICS also focused on the supply chains of critical minerals.

These minerals are increasingly important for:

Electric vehicles
Batteries
Renewable energy
Semiconductors
Advanced technologies
Defence-related technologies

The declaration called for reliable, diversified, resilient and sustainable critical-mineral supply chains while respecting the sovereignty of countries over their natural resources. (PM India)

BRICS also supported cooperation across multiple energy sources, including:

Renewable energy
Nuclear energy
Hydropower
Hydrogen
Energy storage
Low-carbon technologies

10. Climate Change and Disaster Resilience

Climate resilience was a major part of the summit agenda.

BRICS welcomed:

Guidelines for disaster-management early-warning data integration
Voluntary principles for climate-resilient urban infrastructure
Cooperation on climate adaptation
Community-based adaptation
Climate research
Carbon-market cooperation

The declaration also recognised the role of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in helping countries strengthen infrastructure against climate and disaster risks. (PM India)

11. India's International Big Cats Alliance Initiative

India also brought biodiversity conservation into the BRICS framework.

The declaration specifically took note of India's initiative to create an International Big Cats Alliance and encouraged BRICS countries to cooperate on big-cat conservation. (PM India)

This fits with India's broader conservation diplomacy involving species such as:

Tigers
Lions
Leopards
Snow leopards
Jaguars
Other big-cat species

12. What Did BRICS Say About Terrorism?

This was particularly important for India.

The New Delhi Declaration strongly condemned terrorism and specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed and many others injured.

The BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to fighting:

Terrorism
Terrorist financing
Cross-border movement of terrorists
Terrorist safe havens
Extremism
Radicalisation

The declaration also called for accountability for those involved in terrorist activities. (PM India)

This was a significant point for India's counter-terrorism diplomacy.

13. BRICS Discussed the Middle East Crisis

The West Asia/Middle East conflict was one of the most difficult issues at the summit because BRICS members have different geopolitical relationships and interests.

The New Delhi Declaration called for:

Maximum restraint
Protection of civilians
Protection of civilian infrastructure
Dialogue and diplomacy
Continued flow of trade and energy
Respect for international law

However, the declaration avoided explicitly naming the US, Israel, Iran or Gulf states when addressing the immediate regional escalation. This helped members with very different positions reach consensus. (PM India)

This was arguably one of India's biggest diplomatic challenges during the summit.

14. BRICS Position on Gaza and Palestine

The declaration contained extensive language on Palestine.

BRICS called for:

A ceasefire in Gaza to be maintained
Full and unhindered humanitarian access
An end to forced displacement of Palestinians
Protection of civilians
Support for UNRWA
A peaceful two-state solution
Full UN membership for Palestine

The declaration referred to a Palestinian state based on the internationally recognised 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (PM India)

15. Russia-Ukraine War: What Did BRICS Decide?

The final declaration did not specifically mention Ukraine by name.

Instead, it reiterated the broader principle that international disputes should be resolved through:

Dialogue
Consultation
Diplomacy
Peaceful settlement

It also criticised unilateral sanctions that are not authorised by the UN Security Council. (PM India)

This reflects the difficulty of reaching a detailed common position among BRICS countries on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

16. India-Iran Diplomacy During the Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the summit.

The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and developments in West Asia.

Modi reiterated India's position that regional disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and stressed the importance of:

Regional peace
Freedom of navigation
Freedom of commerce
Safety of seafarers

The meeting was also significant because it was Pezeshkian's first visit to India. (PM India)

17. Modi-Putin Meeting During BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit.

They reviewed cooperation in:

Politics
Economy
Defence
Energy
Space
Skill mobility
People-to-people relations

The leaders also visited the INNOPROM India industrial exhibition, which was held in India for the first time from September 9–11, 2026. (PM India)

18. India-UAE Engagement

Prime Minister Modi met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed during the summit.

The two sides discussed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and cooperation in:

Defence
Space
Nuclear energy
Technology
Innovation
Trade
Energy

The UAE also participated constructively in BRICS during India's chairship. (PM India)

One notable economic development discussed during the meeting was the announcement by UAE-based International Holding Company of a planned $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha. (PM India)

19. India-Ethiopia and India-Malaysia Engagements

Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the BRICS summit.

The discussions covered:

Economic cooperation
Defence and security
Capacity building
Regional and global issues

India highlighted Ethiopia's participation as strengthening the collective voice of the Global South. (PM India)

Malaysia participated as a BRICS partner country, and Modi held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on September 12.

The discussions included trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education and tourism. Malaysia also conveyed concurrence with India's proposal to establish an Indian Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. (PM India)

20. Education, Skills and Digital Cooperation

The declaration also expanded cooperation in education and skills.

BRICS supported cooperation in:

Foundational literacy
Early childhood education
Digital literacy
STEM education
Academic mobility
Scholarships
Professional mobility
AI in education
Technical and vocational education

India's initiative on academic collaboration around traditional and indigenous knowledge systems was also welcomed. (PM India)

A new initiative called BRICS CONNECT was welcomed to strengthen cooperation around capacity building, employability, new skills and technologies. (PM India)

21. Transport and Logistics Cooperation

The summit also produced practical outcomes in transport.

BRICS welcomed:

BRICS Urban Mobility Hub
Sustainable aviation fuel cooperation
Transport decarbonisation cooperation
BRICS Logistics Supply-Chain Cooperation Framework
Further discussion on a BRICS Railway Research Network

These initiatives aim to improve connectivity, logistics efficiency and sustainable transport cooperation between member countries. (PM India)

22. Women and Youth Initiatives

The summit placed significant emphasis on inclusive development.

BRICS welcomed Women’s Digital Capacity Building Guidelines and an Indian chairship initiative for a voluntary digital repository of best practices.

The declaration also promoted cooperation in:

Women entrepreneurship
Digital inclusion
Skills
Youth entrepreneurship
Science and technology
Education
Sports
Social development

(PM India)

23. New Development Bank Gets Greater Importance

The New Development Bank (NDB) was described as an important BRICS institution for infrastructure and sustainable development.

BRICS encouraged the bank to:

Mobilise more resources
Expand local-currency financing
Diversify funding
Support infrastructure
Reduce inequality
Finance sustainable development
Strengthen economic integration

The BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal launched under India's chairship was also highlighted. (PM India)

24. Did BRICS Create a New Currency?

No.

This is one of the most important facts to remember.

There was no announcement of a new BRICS currency at the 2026 New Delhi Summit.

Instead, the declaration supports continued work on cross-border payment systems and local-currency settlements.

Therefore, headlines claiming that “BRICS launched a new currency in Delhi” would be misleading. (PM India)

25. Did BRICS Become an Anti-US Alliance?

Not officially.

India specifically stressed that BRICS should not be viewed as an organisation that exists simply to oppose the West.

At the same time, the declaration criticised:

Unilateral tariffs
Protectionism
Unilateral sanctions
Unauthorised coercive economic measures

The careful language reflected the fact that BRICS members have different political and economic relationships with the United States and other Western countries. (Al Jazeera)

26. What Were India's Biggest Achievements?

From India's perspective, the most important outcomes were:

1. Successful chairship

India organised hundreds of BRICS meetings across 30 cities.

2. New Delhi Declaration

All participating leaders adopted the 140-point declaration.

3. Global South agenda

India pushed for greater representation of developing countries in global institutions.

4. BRICS Risk Lab

India proposed a Risk Lab at GIFT City IFSC.

5. Health security

India helped advance the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for mass infectious diseases.

6. AI cooperation

India's AI Impact Summit was recognised in the declaration.

7. NDB Knowledge Portal

The portal was launched under India's chairship.

8. International Big Cats Alliance

India's initiative received BRICS recognition.

9. Terrorism

The declaration specifically condemned the April 2025 Jammu and Kashmir terrorist attack.

10. Outreach/BRICS Plus

India hosted the Outreach/BRICS Plus Dialogue segment, expanding engagement with partner countries. (PM India)

BRICS Summit 2026: Key Decisions at a Glance

Area	Major Outcome
Global Governance	Push for reform of UN and international institutions
UN Security Council	Support for greater representation of developing countries; China and Russia reiterated support for India's aspirations
Trade	Opposition to unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures
Sanctions	Opposition to unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law
Payments	Further work on cross-border payments and local currencies
Common Currency	No new BRICS currency launched
Finance	BRICS Risk Lab proposal at GIFT City
NDB	Greater financing role and BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal
Health	Integrated Early Warning System for mass infectious diseases
AI	Cooperation on safe, inclusive and trustworthy AI
Critical Minerals	More resilient and diversified supply chains
Energy	Cooperation across renewable, nuclear, hydrogen and other energy sources
Climate	Disaster resilience, adaptation and climate cooperation
Biodiversity	International Big Cats Alliance initiative recognised
Terrorism	Strong condemnation, including April 2025 J&K attack
Gaza	Ceasefire, humanitarian access and two-state solution
Transport	Logistics and urban mobility cooperation
Education	Digital literacy, STEM, AI and academic mobility
Women	Digital capacity-building guidelines
Next Chair	China in 2027

What Happens Next After the BRICS Summit?

The biggest question is now implementation.

The summit produced many frameworks, working groups and cooperation mechanisms. The real test will be whether countries convert those commitments into practical programmes.

This is particularly important for:

Cross-border payments
Risk management
Health surveillance
AI cooperation
Critical-mineral supply chains
NDB financing
Transport connectivity
Climate resilience
Counter-terrorism cooperation

Prime Minister Modi himself argued that BRICS needs stronger mechanisms to ensure continuity from one chairship to the next. He proposed a BRICS Continuity and Implementation Mechanism, including a secure digital repository that could track decisions, responsible nodal points, timelines and implementation status. (PM India)

China to Host BRICS in 2027

The final point of the New Delhi Declaration confirms that China will take over the BRICS chairship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit.

The leaders formally expressed full support for China's chairship. (PM India)

Conclusion

The BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi was important not because it created a single dramatic new institution, but because India used its chairship to push BRICS towards practical cooperation across multiple sectors.

The 140-point New Delhi Declaration covered global governance reform, trade, finance, health, AI, energy, critical minerals, climate change, terrorism, Palestine, education, transport and sustainable development.

For India, the summit was also a major diplomatic opportunity. New Delhi managed to bring countries with very different geopolitical positions around one declaration while keeping India's priorities—Global South representation, development, technology, terrorism, health security and resilient supply chains—at the centre of the agenda.

The most important thing to remember is that BRICS did not launch a common currency at the Delhi summit. Instead, members agreed to continue practical work on cross-border payments and local-currency settlements.

The next challenge will be turning the commitments made in New Delhi into measurable outcomes under China's 2027 chairship. (PM India)

FAQs

When was the BRICS Summit 2026 held?

The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. (PM India)

What was the main outcome of the BRICS Summit 2026?

The main formal outcome was the adoption of the 140-point New Delhi Declaration. (PM India)

What was India's role in BRICS 2026?

India held the 2026 BRICS chairship, organised more than 400 meetings and engagements across 30 cities, hosted the summit and promoted cooperation around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (PM India)

Did BRICS launch a common currency?

No. The summit did not launch a common BRICS currency. It supported continued work on cross-border payments and local-currency settlements. (PM India)

What did BRICS say about terrorism?

The declaration condemned terrorism and specifically condemned the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. (PM India)

What did BRICS decide about AI?

BRICS supported cooperation on safe, secure, inclusive and reliable AI and recognised India's 2026 AI Impact Summit. (PM India)

Which country will host BRICS in 2027?

China will hold the BRICS chairship and host the 19th BRICS Summit in 2027. (PM India)

BRICS Summit 2026: India’s Role, Decisions & Outcomes