NEW DELHI, Sep 10: India is using its 2026 BRICS presidency to push a more practical and growth-oriented agenda focused on trade, investment, technology, innovation and stronger economic cooperation among emerging economies.
The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders of the expanded grouping at a time when the global economy is facing geopolitical tensions, supply-chain disruptions and energy and food security challenges.
India’s presidency is centred on four broad priorities — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The objective is to make BRICS more responsive to the economic and development needs of member countries and the wider Global South.
A major focus is expected to be on expanding trade and investment opportunities. Greater cooperation in areas such as logistics, supply chains, customs, technology and business connectivity could help companies access new markets and build more reliable cross-border partnerships.
The agenda also gives greater importance to startups, MSMEs and entrepreneurship. Stronger cooperation among businesses across BRICS economies can create opportunities for technology sharing, investment, innovation and the development of new products and services.
Technology is another key pillar of India’s approach. Cooperation in digital systems, scientific research, artificial intelligence, digital agriculture and smart infrastructure can help member countries use technology to improve productivity and create new economic opportunities.
India is also highlighting the importance of resilient food and energy systems. Discussions on agriculture, climate-resilient farming, energy security, energy storage and smart grids are expected to support long-term economic stability while reducing vulnerability to global disruptions.
For India, the BRICS platform also offers an opportunity to strengthen its role as a major voice of the Global South. The grouping has expanded significantly in recent years, bringing more emerging economies into discussions on global economic and development issues.
The summit comes as businesses worldwide are looking for more diversified supply chains and new investment destinations. Deeper economic cooperation within BRICS could therefore support greater trade flows, new investment partnerships and stronger regional production networks.
India’s earlier BRICS presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021 also helped advance cooperation in areas including development finance, innovation, health and people-to-people exchanges. The 2026 presidency seeks to build on that experience while giving greater emphasis to practical outcomes.
The New Delhi Summit is expected to conclude with a declaration covering key areas of cooperation. For businesses and emerging economies, the larger goal will be to turn diplomatic discussions into concrete opportunities in trade, investment, technology, entrepreneurship and supply-chain development.
India’s BRICS presidency thus comes at an important moment, with the country seeking to promote a more inclusive and resilient global economic framework while creating greater opportunities for businesses, startups, investors and developing economies.
