BRICS at 20: India seeks consensus amid West Asia war and US sanctions pressure

Source: CNBC TV18 | Original Published At: 2026-08-28 16:06:52 UTC

Key Points

• India will host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
• The summit will mark 20 years since BRICS was established in 2006 and will bring together member countries, partner countries, and global south groupings.
• BRICS has expanded to 11 members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has also added partner country status for ten nations.
• As BRICS chair, India is working to build consensus among members amid the war in West Asia, shipping disruptions, and increased US sanctions pressure.
• Members are expected to discuss themes including safe maritime commerce, protection of civilian infrastructure, sovereignty, territorial integrity, dialogue, diplomacy, and the UN Charter.
• Economic and financial cooperation is a major focus, including practical measures to make cross-border payments faster and cheaper through local currencies, payment interoperability, and digital payment discussions.
• Officials have said the discussions are not aimed at any third country or grouping and are distinct from proposals for a BRICS currency or dedollarisation.