New Delhi to host BRICS Foreign Ministers meet in May

India is set to host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi in May 2026, marking a key milestone under its current chairmanship of the bloc. The meeting will serve as a precursor to the 18th BRICS Summit and comes at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty and expanding membership within the grouping.

India’s leadership amid global uncertainty

Under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, India aims to position itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised a “humanity-first” approach, highlighting the need for collective responses to interconnected global challenges such as economic instability, climate risks and technological disruptions.

Focus on development and digital cooperation

The ministerial meeting is expected to prioritise digital public infrastructure, with India promoting successful models such as Aadhaar and UPI for wider adoption among member countries. Climate finance will also feature prominently, with discussions centred on enabling green transitions without overburdening developing economies. Additionally, India is likely to push for reforms in global institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council.

Challenges within an expanded BRICS

The meeting will be the first major engagement after the expansion of BRICS to include countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. This enlarged grouping presents both opportunities and challenges, especially in managing internal differences. Ongoing tensions in West Asia are expected to dominate discussions, testing the bloc’s ability to maintain consensus on sensitive geopolitical issues.

Important Facts for Exams

• BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• The grouping has recently expanded to include several West Asian and African nations.
• Digital Public Infrastructure includes systems like Aadhaar and UPI developed by India.
• UN Security Council reform remains a key demand of emerging economies.

Key participation and strategic agenda

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is expected to attend the meeting, signalling its diplomatic significance. The discussions will also cover issues such as de-dollarisation, promotion of local currency trade, and emerging areas like water security and atmospheric technologies. Outcomes from the meeting will help shape the agenda and final documents for the upcoming BRICS Summit under India’s presidency.