- India begins its BRICS presidency with a 2026 theme centered on financial cooperation, technology governance, and reduced reliance on the U.S. dollar.
- Members are moving from planning to deployment on de-dollarization tools, including a 100‑unit pilot of “The Unit” and CBDC interoperability plans for 2026–2027 linking the digital ruble, yuan, and rupee.
- The New Development Bank aims for one-third of loans in member domestic currencies by 2026, while BRICS Pay has cut USD use in intra-bloc trade by about two-thirds.
- AI governance is a core priority, with India promoting an “AI for All” approach and seeking balanced rules that protect sovereignty and encourage innovation.
- Despite these steps, analysts expect the U.S. dollar to remain dominant in the near term; JPMorgan holds a net bearish view for 2026 as sanctions and “weaponization” drive alternative payment efforts.
BRICS members are shaping a 2026 agenda that centers on financial cooperation, AI governance, and steps to lessen dependence on the U.S. dollar as India assumes the presidency and prepares to host the 18th summit in New Delhi in August or September 2026. The push aims to create practical payment and technology frameworks to support trade and development within the bloc.
Narendra Modi set the presidential theme, saying the presidency will define BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” He also linked the agenda to India’s G20 priorities and stressed a people-centric approach to global South issues.
Payment initiatives include a 100‑unit pilot of “The Unit” released on October 31, 2025, and plans for CBDC interoperability in 2026–2027 to link the digital ruble, yuan, and rupee as an alternative to SWIFT. S. Jaishankar clarified the bloc does not seek to replace the dollar, saying, “The dollar as the reserve currency is the source of global economic stability.” The New Development Bank targets one-third of loans in member domestic currencies by 2026, and BRICS Pay has reduced U.S. dollar use in intra-bloc trade by roughly two-thirds.
Technology is a central pillar, with a formal BRICS AI governance agenda that aims to shape standards and protect technology sovereignty. India promotes AI as a human-centered tool, stating “AI for All” and stressing that “AI governance, addressing concerns and encouraging innovation should both receive equal priority.” The agenda also includes sustainable development, climate action, and energy transition measures.
Members are expanding financial cooperation by shifting reserve compositions, increasing Gold holdings and reducing U.S. Treasury exposure, with the bloc linked to about 50% of global gold production. JPMorgan analysts maintain a net bearish view on the dollar for 2026 as sanctions and perceived “weaponization” of the currency accelerate interest in alternatives.
Om Birla said, “The agenda will be set for the Summit in India, and India will ensure a successful and productive Hosting of the event.”
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