India Chairs BRICS in 2026

India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on 1 January 2026 and hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 14 May 2026. India’s 2026 chairship works under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.

BRICS and its membership

BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. The original members were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the grouping later expanded to include new members in 2024 and 2025.

India’s chairmanship in 2026

India holds the BRICS presidency for the fourth time in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on 14 May 2026 that India’s chairmanship will focus on multilateralism, sustainable development, economic resilience and a more inclusive world order.

Global South and multilateral institutions

BRICS has been associated with greater representation for the Global South in international institutions. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on 14 January 2026 that the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and World Bank require reform to reflect contemporary realities.

Important Facts for Exams

• BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies that began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• India first held the BRICS Chairmanship before 2026 and assumed it again on 1 January 2026.
• The BRICS countries account for over 40% of the world’s population and more than 32% of global GDP.
• BRICS has discussed alternative financial mechanisms and reduced dependence on the US dollar in international trade.

Diplomatic engagement in New Delhi

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 14 May 2026. The meeting covered regional and global issues, including Ukraine and West Asia.