India’s BRICS opportunity: Experts see scope in digital technology, trade and local currency payments

Source: CNBC TV18 | Original Published At: 2026-09-12 15:53:55 UTC

Key Points

• Experts said India's role in BRICS could become more important for trade, technology and economic cooperation as the grouping strengthens the voice of the Global South.
• The next phase of BRICS cooperation will depend on how effectively member countries turn summit commitments into practical initiatives.
• India's progress in digital public infrastructure was highlighted as an opportunity to develop solutions that could be shared with other BRICS members.
• The discussion pointed to potential areas for India including digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
• Experts noted growing attention to cross-border payment systems and the use of national currencies to reduce dependence on the unilateral use of the US dollar.
• One expert said BRICS is making progress on local currency transactions, but the dollar remains firmly established in global trade and finance.
• For Indian businesses, alternative payment arrangements could eventually support trade diversification, though experts did not suggest an imminent major shift away from the dollar.