BRICS accounts for nearly 40% of global GDP by purchasing power parity, compared with about 29% for the G7, while intra-bloc trade remains limited relative to the group’s economic size.
The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi will discuss resilience against geopolitical crises, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, West Asian tensions and US tariff policies.
Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India is expected to emphasize dialogue, practical economic cooperation, and institutional reform while hosting an expanded and diverse membership.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s merchandise exports grew more than 15% in April-August and called for deeper BRICS trade cooperation, stronger support for women-led businesses, and digital trade facilitation.
As Iran and the United Arab Emirates bring opposing positions on West Asia to the BRICS 2026 summit in New Delhi, India faces the task of balancing diplomatic tensions while keeping the agenda focused on trade, energy, supply chains and development finance.
India is inviting major regional blocs to the BRICS Summit in New Delhi to broaden engagement with the Global South and expand cooperation among developing economies.
Success for India isn’t replacing the West or empowering China – it’s walking away with more strategic choices and leverage.
India is expected to raise market access and trade deficit issues with BRICS partners at the upcoming summit.
India will chair the 18th BRICS Summit on 12-13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking the 20th anniversary of BRICS and focusing on multilateralism, trade, finance, technology, energy security and sustainable development.
