India’s trade deficit with BRICS partners widened to $226.1 billion in 2025-26, driven mainly by imports from China, while members discuss local-currency trade, digital payments and MSME finance.
BRICS leaders are expected to discuss a digital incubator network, a startup innovation fund and a voluntary logistics supply-chain framework aimed at strengthening innovation, financing and resilient trade logistics.
The BRICS Summit could focus on energy security, local currency payments, critical minerals, and transport cooperation amid West Asia tensions.
A BRICS business body official backed local currency and digital transaction systems for a multipolar economic framework and urged India to strengthen exports to BRICS economies.
CAIT National General Secretary and MP Praveen Khandelwal said BRICS can strengthen India’s role in the Global South and expand trade, investment and exports for Indian businesses.
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will feature Modi-Xi bilateral talks, focus on the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, and explore practical cross-border digital payment frameworks.
India hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit as the expanded bloc continues to develop as a platform for Global South cooperation, economic engagement, and alternative multilateral institutions.
Indian businesses and economists look to the BRICS summit for easier market access, stronger payment linkages, investment cooperation, and energy security.
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India will share its experience with the BRICS Women Business Alliance and broader BRICS trade activities to improve credit access, market access and trade rules for women entrepreneurs.
