- India assumes the rotating BRICS presidency in 2026 and plans a people-centered Global South agenda.
- Narendra Modi proposed redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- The expanded bloc now includes eleven members and is projected to outsize the G7 by 2045, with China supplying about 70% of BRICS+ GDP.
- Leaders stress a multipolar approach—defined as an international order with several centers of power—while avoiding an explicitly anti-Western stance.
India will take the BRICS rotating presidency in 2026 to lead the expanded grouping and promote a Global South-focused agenda. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chairmanship will follow a “people-centric” approach and prioritize cooperation on common challenges.
At the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India would give a “new form” to the grouping and proposed redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The expanded bloc of eleven full members includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Data shows the combined BRICS+ economies are projected to exceed the G7 by 2045, and China now represents roughly 70% of the group’s GDP.
Modi emphasized balance and cooperation over confrontation, stating that members must avoid appearing to replace existing global institutions: “We must be careful to ensure that this organization does not acquire the image of one that is trying to replace global institutions.”
Russian statements echoed a non-antagonistic posture, with President Putin quoting Modi that “BRICS is not anti-western but simply non-western.” Putin also suggested BRICS countries could take part in the Ukraine peace process.
Political scholar Joseph Nye noted the expansion helps states like Russia and Iran as a means to reduce diplomatic isolation and warned it could increase “intra-organizational rivalries.” India’s 2026 framework highlights cooperation on pandemics, climate change, and sustainable development while aiming to build mutual trust among member states.
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