Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the 2026 BRICS Summit aboard his heavily guarded Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, known as the "Flying Kremlin" or "Doomsday Plane." Operating as a fully mobile airborne command center, the high-security aircraft features advanced radar-jamming tech, encrypted satellite communications, and anti-missile defense systems alongside luxurious presidential suites. Watch for full details on the security architecture and high-stakes arrival of President Putin in India. 

Putin’s 'doomsday plane' in Delhi: Inside the secretive 'flying Kremlin' aircraft 

Buried inside the 45-page New Delhi Declaration is a wager: that climate resilience sells better to a fractious bloc of eleven nations when it's framed as economics rather than environmentalism.&nbsp;That reading came up again and again as analysts picked through the document this week. "What is interesting about the declaration, apart from its inordinate length, is that it is profoundly multilateral," said Rathin Roy, an economic advisor and dean at GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences.&nbsp;He pointed out that wherever climate change appears in the text, the word "including" tends to come first.&nbsp;"So this is sustainable development, including climate. They are weaving in a broader lens." Roy also noted something missing entirely: the phrase "net zero," a staple of European climate diplomacy, doesn't appear once. "The framing is profoundly different from the way the Europeans framed the climate change problem," he said.&nbsp;The declaration takes a direct shot at the EU's carbon border tax, calling such measures "unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist." Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, called this a deliberate stance.&nbsp;&nbsp;"BRICS is determined to chart its own course on climate and energy, one that emphasizes the alignment of development and decarbonization rather than treating them as competing priorities," he said, adding that the bloc's insistence on keeping fossil fuels in the mix for developing economies "signals that these leading Global South countries intend to define the terms of their own energy transition."&nbsp;Ambassador Manjeev Puri of The Energy and Resources Institute framed the summit itself as an act of endurance. "It is important that all these nations, who may have political disagreements, have stood together in unity on the critical issues of development and sustainability," he said, citing shared pushback against unilateralism and renewed work on cross-border payments and supply chains.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/differences-should-not-become-disputes-modi-xi-stress-long-term-india-china-ties-during-bilateral-talks-1789223230359">‘Differences should not become disputes’: Modi, Xi stress long term India-China ties during bilateral talks</a>&nbsp;Disaster preparedness got specific attention. Ulka Kelkar of WRI India welcomed new voluntary principles requiring climate risk to be built into land-use planning, along with a proposed BRICS Insurance Resilience Centre. "This would be crucial to prevent maladaptation," she said, adding that BRICS nations are increasingly climate finance donors, not just recipients.&nbsp;On energy manufacturing, Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO of the National Solar Energy Federation of India, pointed to scale: BRICS nations already hold more than half the world's installed renewable capacity, he said, and a proposed Solar Photovoltaic Cooperation Roadmap "provides an important opportunity to translate this scale into deeper industrial cooperation."&nbsp;Climate researcher Archana Chaudhary summed up the shift: "It does not treat climate resilience as a standalone environmental issue. It places it inside a wider argument about economic resilience, industrial capacity, trade, finance and national policy space."&nbsp;Whether that argument survives contact with rising debt burdens and diverging national interests, analysts said, is next year's question.

The New Delhi Declaration places climate resilience within BRICS' broader economic, trade, energy and development agenda, emphasising climate action alongside industrial growth, finance and national policy priorities.

Buried inside the 45-page New Delhi Declaration is a wager: that climate resilience sells better to a fractious bloc of eleven nations when it's framed as economics rather than environmentalism. That reading came up again and again as analysts picked through the document this week. "What is interesting about the declaration, apart from its inordinate length, is that it is profoundly multilateral," said Rathin Roy, an economic advisor and dean at GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences. He pointed out that wherever climate change appears in the text, the word "including" tends to come first. "So this is sustainable development, including climate. They are weaving in a broader lens." Roy also noted something missing entirely: the phrase "net zero," a staple of European climate diplomacy, doesn't appear once. "The framing is profoundly different from the way the Europeans framed the climate change problem," he said. The declaration takes a direct shot at the EU's carbon border tax, calling such measures "unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist." Li Shuo, director of the China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, called this a deliberate stance. "BRICS is determined to chart its own course on climate and energy, one that emphasizes the alignment of development and decarbonization rather than treating them as competing priorities," he said, adding that the bloc's insistence on keeping fossil fuels in the mix for developing economies "signals that these leading Global South countries intend to define the terms of their own energy transition." Ambassador Manjeev Puri of The Energy and Resources Institute framed the summit itself as an act of endurance. "It is important that all these nations, who may have political disagreements, have stood together in unity on the critical issues of development and sustainability," he said, citing shared pushback against unilateralism and renewed work on cross-border payments and supply chains. Also Read: ‘Differences should not become disputes’: Modi, Xi stress long term India-China ties during bilateral talks Disaster preparedness got specific attention. Ulka Kelkar of WRI India welcomed new voluntary principles requiring climate risk to be built into land-use planning, along with a proposed BRICS Insurance Resilience Centre. "This would be crucial to prevent maladaptation," she said, adding that BRICS nations are increasingly climate finance donors, not just recipients. On energy manufacturing, Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, CEO of the National Solar Energy Federation of India, pointed to scale: BRICS nations already hold more than half the world's installed renewable capacity, he said, and a proposed Solar Photovoltaic Cooperation Roadmap "provides an important opportunity to translate this scale into deeper industrial cooperation." Climate researcher Archana Chaudhary summed up the shift: "It does not treat climate resilience as a standalone environmental issue. It places it inside a wider argument about economic resilience, industrial capacity, trade, finance and national policy space." Whether that argument survives contact with rising debt burdens and diverging national interests, analysts said, is next year's question.

The New Delhi Declaration places climate resilience within BRICS' broader economic, trade, energy and development agenda, emphasising climate action alongside industrial growth, finance and national policy priorities.

BRICS stitches climate into its trade and growth agenda, experts say

Marking two decades since its inception, the expanded 11-member BRICS bloc is pushing to transform the Global South from passive "rule-takers" into active "rule-shapers" of the international system. As world leaders gather in New Delhi, the key question remains whether a diverse group of nations can forge sustainable consensus, challenge Western-dominated institutions, and act as a stabilizing force in a fractured global order.

 The verdict-BRICS at 20: Can the expanded bloc rewrite the rules of global power? 

The BRICS Delhi Declaration has called for sweeping reforms at the United Nations, including the Security Council, while highlighting the long-standing absence of a woman as the world body’s Secretary-General.The declaration, adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, noted that “no woman has ever been elected for the role of Secretary General” as the grouping called for greater participation of women, particularly from emerging market and developing countries, in leadership positions at international organisations.The issue comes as the UN prepares to appoint its next Secretary-General. António Guterres, who has served as the UN chief since January 2017, will complete his second term on December 31, 2026. The next Secretary-General is expected to take office on January 1, 2027, with the selection process already underway. The United Nations has also formally noted that no woman has ever held the position.<h2>BRICS calls for greater representation</h2>The BRICS declaration reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to reforming global governance and strengthening multilateralism and multipolarity.“We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system,” it said.The grouping called for “greater and more meaningful participation and representation” of emerging market and developing countries, as well as Least Developed Countries, in global decision-making structures.It also called for greater participation of women at all levels of leadership and responsibility in international organisations, with particular emphasis on women from developing countries.<h2>No woman has led the UN</h2>BRICS specifically drew attention to the gender gap in the top UN post as the selection of Guterres’ successor gets underway.The declaration said that no woman has ever been elected as UN Secretary-General. It also pointed out that only one national from Latin America and the Caribbean and two nationals each from Africa and Asia have held the position.The UN’s current selection process has encouraged member states to consider women candidates. In its November 2025 joint letter launching the process, the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council noted “with regret” that no woman has ever held the position and urged countries to strongly consider nominating women.<h2>Security Council reform</h2>BRICS also reiterated its support for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.The grouping called for increased representation of developing countries in the Council, particularly from Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean.“We stress that the UN Security Council reform is to lead to the amplified voice of the Global South,” the declaration said.The declaration further called for equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, particularly at senior and decision-making levels.It said the selection and appointment of UN executive heads and senior officials should be transparent and inclusive, while stressing that there should be “no monopoly on senior posts in the UN system by nationals of any State or group of States.”BRICS said the reforms were needed to ensure that the international system better reflects contemporary global realities and gives a stronger voice to the Global South.

The BRICS Delhi Declaration urged comprehensive UN Security Council reforms, advocating for enhanced Global South representation and highlighting the historical absence of a female UN Secretary-General.

The BRICS Delhi Declaration has called for sweeping reforms at the United Nations, including the Security Council, while highlighting the long-standing absence of a woman as the world body’s Secretary-General. The declaration, adopted unanimously at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, noted that “no woman has ever been elected for the role of Secretary General” as the grouping called for greater participation of women, particularly from emerging market and developing countries, in leadership positions at international organisations. The issue comes as the UN prepares to appoint its next Secretary-General. António Guterres, who has served as the UN chief since January 2017, will complete his second term on December 31, 2026. The next Secretary-General is expected to take office on January 1, 2027, with the selection process already underway. The United Nations has also formally noted that no woman has ever held the position. BRICS calls for greater representation The BRICS declaration reaffirmed the grouping’s commitment to reforming global governance and strengthening multilateralism and multipolarity. “We reiterate our commitment to reforming and improving global governance by promoting a more just, equitable, agile, effective, efficient, responsive, representative, legitimate, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system,” it said. The grouping called for “greater and more meaningful participation and representation” of emerging market and developing countries, as well as Least Developed Countries, in global decision-making structures. It also called for greater participation of women at all levels of leadership and responsibility in international organisations, with particular emphasis on women from developing countries. No woman has led the UN BRICS specifically drew attention to the gender gap in the top UN post as the selection of Guterres’ successor gets underway. The declaration said that no woman has ever been elected as UN Secretary-General. It also pointed out that only one national from Latin America and the Caribbean and two nationals each from Africa and Asia have held the position. The UN’s current selection process has encouraged member states to consider women candidates. In its November 2025 joint letter launching the process, the presidents of the General Assembly and Security Council noted “with regret” that no woman has ever held the position and urged countries to strongly consider nominating women. Security Council reform BRICS also reiterated its support for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient. The grouping called for increased representation of developing countries in the Council, particularly from Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. “We stress that the UN Security Council reform is to lead to the amplified voice of the Global South,” the declaration said. The declaration further called for equitable geographical representation in the UN Secretariat and other international organisations, particularly at senior and decision-making levels. It said the selection and appointment of UN executive heads and senior officials should be transparent and inclusive, while stressing that there should be “no monopoly on senior posts in the UN system by nationals of any State or group of States.” BRICS said the reforms were needed to ensure that the international system better reflects contemporary global realities and gives a stronger voice to the Global South.

The BRICS Delhi Declaration urged comprehensive UN Security Council reforms, advocating for enhanced Global South representation and highlighting the historical absence of a female UN Secretary-General.

No woman has ever led UN: BRICS backs reform, calls for greater Global South representation

As Day 1 of the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi comes to a close, a visiting Xinhua reporter shared her warm experiences covering the event in the Indian capital. Praising India's host preparations and warm hospitality, she noted that "people here are very friendly" and highlighted how the summit offers a vital platform to strengthen bilateral ties and foster people-to-people connections between neighboring nations. 


BRICS 2026: Xinhua reporter shares her experience 'people here are very friendly'

At the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a strong pitch for expanding local currency trade across member states to reduce reliance on the US dollar. Backed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran is actively consulting with BRICS members to facilitate its official accession into the New Development Bank (NDB). The move aligns with the broader BRICS New Delhi Declaration, which endorsed expanding local-currency financing and institutional growth across the Global South. 

BRICS summit 2026 bet on local currencies: Iran's NDB membership push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held high-level bilateral discussions with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali at Hyderabad House on the sidelines of the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders reviewed progress in economic cooperation, capacity building, and defence security partnerships while reaffirming their commitment to expanding trade and investment across emerging sectors. 

As Ethiopia participates in its full-member capacity, PM Modi highlighted the crucial role of South-South cooperation in reinforcing the collective voice of the Global South on international platforms. Watch for key takeaways from the bilateral meet.

BRICS summit 2026: PM Modi meets Ethiopian counterpart 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the unanimous adoption of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026, marking a landmark moment for the summit. In his concluding address, PM Modi emphasized that a rapidly changing world cannot be steered by outdated institutions and called for urgent structural reforms in global governance. He highlighted the imperative of ensuring equal participation for the Global South in emerging technology standards and decision-making frameworks. Watch PM Modi’s complete address at the BRICS Summit closing session.


BRICS summit 2026 latest update: New Delhi declaration adopted! 

World leaders have gathered in New Delhi for the high-stakes 2026 BRICS Summit, hosted by India. The summit brings together heads of state and top diplomats to address key global issues, including economic integration, Global South priorities, trade mechanisms, and geopolitical challenges. With major bilateral meetings scheduled on the sidelines of the summit, the discussions are set to shape strategic partnerships across emerging economies. 

BRICS summit 2026 in New Delhi: World leaders gather for high stakes meeting 

In a visible display of unity among BRICS nations amid global tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as they walked side by side at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 in New Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;In a notable moment, Modi was seen holding hands with Pezeshkian as the two leaders walked together along the red carpet. The moment highlighted the solidarity among leaders of the expanded grouping as they met to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and global development.&nbsp;The photograph drew added attention as Iran remains locked in an escalating conflict with the United States. The war has spread across West Asia, disrupting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Indian seafarers, who make up a significant share of crews on commercial ships, have also been caught in the conflict, with fatalities and disruptions reported since the war began with a joint US Israeli campaign against Iran on February 28.&nbsp;The leaders walked through the summit venue with the official “BRICS INDIA 2026” branding visible on the wall. Modi was seen leading the group as the leaders walked together through the venue.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-bridges-not-barriers-pm-modi-flags-trade-barriers-seafarer-safety-at-brics-business-forum-1789132762442">‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum</a><h2>Pezeshkian calls for BRICS cooperation</h2>Addressing the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, Pezeshkian said the strength of the grouping goes beyond the size of its economies. He stressed the need to turn that economic strength into practical cooperation.&nbsp;“We believe that the true strength of BRICS is not confined merely to the size of its members' economies; rather, it becomes more apparent when these capacities are transformed into a network of trade, investment and joint financing – a transition from potential cooperation to operational one,” he said.&nbsp;Pezeshkian also pointed to growing challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and the use of economic tools for political pressure.&nbsp;“The world today is going through one of its most complex periods. Geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in its supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment in which countries operate more complex. The question is, what is BRICS' response to these challenges?” he said.&nbsp;<h2>Modi highlights BRICS economic strength</h2>Modi also highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of innovation and solutions amid global uncertainty.&nbsp;“Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold.”&nbsp;India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand as Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa walked alongside, highlighting a show of unity among BRICS leaders.

In a visible display of unity among BRICS nations amid global tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as they walked side by side at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. In a notable moment, Modi was seen holding hands with Pezeshkian as the two leaders walked together along the red carpet. The moment highlighted the solidarity among leaders of the expanded grouping as they met to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and global development. The photograph drew added attention as Iran remains locked in an escalating conflict with the United States. The war has spread across West Asia, disrupting key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Indian seafarers, who make up a significant share of crews on commercial ships, have also been caught in the conflict, with fatalities and disruptions reported since the war began with a joint US Israeli campaign against Iran on February 28. The leaders walked through the summit venue with the official “BRICS INDIA 2026” branding visible on the wall. Modi was seen leading the group as the leaders walked together through the venue. Also Read: ‘Economic bridges, not barriers’: PM Modi flags trade barriers, seafarer safety at BRICS Business Forum Pezeshkian calls for BRICS cooperation Addressing the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, Pezeshkian said the strength of the grouping goes beyond the size of its economies. He stressed the need to turn that economic strength into practical cooperation. “We believe that the true strength of BRICS is not confined merely to the size of its members' economies; rather, it becomes more apparent when these capacities are transformed into a network of trade, investment and joint financing – a transition from potential cooperation to operational one,” he said. Pezeshkian also pointed to growing challenges facing the global economy, including geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and the use of economic tools for political pressure. “The world today is going through one of its most complex periods. Geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in its supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment in which countries operate more complex. The question is, what is BRICS' response to these challenges?” he said. Modi highlights BRICS economic strength Modi also highlighted the collective economic strength of BRICS countries and described them as major centres of innovation and solutions amid global uncertainty. “Today, BRICS nations represent 50% of the world's population, 40% of its GDP, and over 25% of global trade. Moreover, while global GDP has grown approximately two-and-a-half-fold over these years, the combined GDP of BRICS nations has expanded nearly four-and-a-half-fold.” India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation at the centre of its agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s hand as Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa walked alongside, highlighting a show of unity among BRICS leaders.

BRICS unity on display: PM Modi holds Pezeshkian’s hand; Putin, Ramaphosa walk alongside

BRICS 2026 comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with the Russia-Ukraine war and the wider Middle East conflict putting diplomacy and peace efforts in focus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward, including in his recent engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 



BRICS 2026: India to lead key BRICS deliberations 

China has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Xi Jinping’s visit marks his first trip to India in seven years and comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to stabilise ties after years of tensions. His presence at the BRICS summit is expected to put India-China relations, global geopolitics and the future of the expanded BRICS bloc firmly in focus.

A possible meeting between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could become one of the key diplomatic moments of the summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, economic cooperation and broader regional and global issues.

Watch this report for the latest updates on Xi Jinping’s India visit, the BRICS Summit 2026 and the growing India-China diplomatic engagement.

 China Confirms Xi Jinping Will Attend Brics in New Delhi

India is seeking to bridge differences among BRICS members as the expanded grouping prepares for its leaders’ summit in New Delhi, with officials saying negotiations are underway on a joint declaration despite disagreements within the bloc.&nbsp;Speaking at a dinner for journalists and content creators in New Delhi ahead of the summit, Randhir Jaiswal, additional secretary and spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi viewed all BRICS members as partners and wanted to strengthen cooperation across the grouping.&nbsp;“India is friends with all BRICS member countries. As friends, it is our intention to bring all our partners together,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Asked whether India had launched any specific initiative to narrow divisions among members, Jaiswal pointed to ongoing negotiations on the summit’s joint declaration.&nbsp;“You will have to wait for the joint statement,” he said. “The joint statement is being negotiated and there you will see how India brings everybody together.”&nbsp;Jaiswal said discussions were taking place collectively with all BRICS members but declined to identify countries involved in specific disagreements.&nbsp;India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 as the grouping adjusts to a more complex diplomatic landscape following its expansion to 11 members.&nbsp;During its 2026 chairmanship, India has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while emphasising development priorities and strengthening the voice of the Global South.&nbsp;Its economic agenda includes the proposed BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, measures to expand trade in services, strengthen resilient supply chains and improve financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-is-bangladesh-pm-coming-to-delhi-his-minister-says-1789043249767">BRICS Summit: Is Bangladesh PM coming to Delhi? His minister says...</a>&nbsp;However, the enlarged grouping includes countries with divergent geopolitical interests, complicating efforts to reach consensus on politically sensitive issues.&nbsp;One of the most visible divisions has emerged between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Around the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May, the UAE rejected Iranian allegations and defended its sovereignty and right to protect its national security, highlighting the challenges of formulating common positions among members with competing regional priorities.&nbsp;Differences also persist between India and China. Despite recent efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 border clashes, the two countries remain strategic rivals, with disagreements over security, technology and market access continuing to constrain cooperation.&nbsp;Another source of tension lies between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the use of Nile waters. The dispute remains one of the most persistent issues between the two countries.&nbsp;The matter gained fresh attention following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on Sept. 1-2. In a joint communiqué issued during the visit, China recognised Egypt’s “legitimate right” to protect its water security, food security and development interests.&nbsp;The two countries also called on Nile Basin states to comply with international law, including obligations related to preventing harm.&nbsp;While the communiqué stopped short of explicitly endorsing Egypt’s position against Ethiopia, the inclusion of Nile-related concerns in a high-level China-Egypt statement adds another dimension to discussions within BRICS, where China, Egypt and Ethiopia are all members.&nbsp;Differences also exist over the future economic direction of the bloc. Russia and China have supported greater use of national currencies and alternatives to the US dollar.&nbsp;

India is working to bridge differences among the expanded BRICS membership as negotiations continue on a joint declaration ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

India is seeking to bridge differences among BRICS members as the expanded grouping prepares for its leaders’ summit in New Delhi, with officials saying negotiations are underway on a joint declaration despite disagreements within the bloc. Speaking at a dinner for journalists and content creators in New Delhi ahead of the summit, Randhir Jaiswal, additional secretary and spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi viewed all BRICS members as partners and wanted to strengthen cooperation across the grouping. “India is friends with all BRICS member countries. As friends, it is our intention to bring all our partners together,” Jaiswal said. Asked whether India had launched any specific initiative to narrow divisions among members, Jaiswal pointed to ongoing negotiations on the summit’s joint declaration. “You will have to wait for the joint statement,” he said. “The joint statement is being negotiated and there you will see how India brings everybody together.” Jaiswal said discussions were taking place collectively with all BRICS members but declined to identify countries involved in specific disagreements. India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 as the grouping adjusts to a more complex diplomatic landscape following its expansion to 11 members. During its 2026 chairmanship, India has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while emphasising development priorities and strengthening the voice of the Global South. Its economic agenda includes the proposed BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, measures to expand trade in services, strengthen resilient supply chains and improve financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Also Read: BRICS Summit: Is Bangladesh PM coming to Delhi? His minister says... However, the enlarged grouping includes countries with divergent geopolitical interests, complicating efforts to reach consensus on politically sensitive issues. One of the most visible divisions has emerged between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Around the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May, the UAE rejected Iranian allegations and defended its sovereignty and right to protect its national security, highlighting the challenges of formulating common positions among members with competing regional priorities. Differences also persist between India and China. Despite recent efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 border clashes, the two countries remain strategic rivals, with disagreements over security, technology and market access continuing to constrain cooperation. Another source of tension lies between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the use of Nile waters. The dispute remains one of the most persistent issues between the two countries. The matter gained fresh attention following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on Sept. 1-2. In a joint communiqué issued during the visit, China recognised Egypt’s “legitimate right” to protect its water security, food security and development interests. The two countries also called on Nile Basin states to comply with international law, including obligations related to preventing harm. While the communiqué stopped short of explicitly endorsing Egypt’s position against Ethiopia, the inclusion of Nile-related concerns in a high-level China-Egypt statement adds another dimension to discussions within BRICS, where China, Egypt and Ethiopia are all members. Differences also exist over the future economic direction of the bloc. Russia and China have supported greater use of national currencies and alternatives to the US dollar.

India is working to bridge differences among the expanded BRICS membership as negotiations continue on a joint declaration ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit

India is positioning itself as a leading voice of the Global South as New Delhi hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026.

With India holding the BRICS chairship, the summit provides New Delhi with a major platform to push issues affecting developing and emerging economies, including trade, investment, technology, digital payments, development and reforms to global institutions.

The expanded BRICS grouping brings together major emerging economies at a time of intense geopolitical tensions. India is seeking to use its diplomatic relationships across different power blocs while presenting BRICS as a platform for cooperation and a stronger voice for the Global South.

Watch this report for the latest from BRICS 2026, India’s diplomatic push and New Delhi’s growing role on the global stage.

 India Positioning Itself As Leading Voice of the Global South

Can India become the bridge that a deeply divided world desperately needs?

As New Delhi prepares to host the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic balancing act comes under the global spotlight. With leaders from Russia, China and Iran expected in New Delhi, key bilateral meetings could offer opportunities for dialogue amid some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.

The Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel remain major challenges. India maintains working relationships with countries on opposing sides of these conflicts, giving New Delhi a unique diplomatic position.

But can BRICS become a meaningful space for peace? And can India use its role as BRICS chair to build common ground among members with competing interests?

WION speaks to former Indian ambassador and diplomat Gurjit Singh about India’s diplomatic role, the expansion of BRICS, China’s vision for the bloc and New Delhi’s challenge of keeping BRICS focused on the Global South.

Watch the full report and interview for an in-depth look at India’s biggest diplomatic test at BRICS 2026.

BRICS 2026: Modi, Putin & Xi Meet in New Delhi | Is a New Global Power Shift Coming

India’s hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi puts India-China ties under the spotlight. With strategic competition and tensions still shaping the relationship, the summit could offer Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a crucial opportunity to reset ties and reshape the balance within BRICS.

BRICS summit 2026: India-China ties remain a focal point 

Beyond climate action, governance and economic cooperation, BRICS has grown into an important platform for strengthening people-to-people connections and building cultural bridges among its member countries. The grouping represents more than 45 per cent of the world’s population and uses its Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Pillar to promote greater interaction among communities.&nbsp;The cultural track works through the annual BRICS Culture Working Group sessions, dedicated arts and theatre festivals, and the annual meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers.&nbsp;During India’s BRICS Chairship, the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal on August 7. The meeting ended with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, which sets out a practical framework to deepen cultural cooperation among BRICS member states and partner countries.&nbsp;The declaration focuses on expanding cooperation in cultural and creative industries and the wider creative economy. It calls for countries to share methods, experiences and best practices while supporting creators and strengthening professional networks. It also seeks to expand market opportunities for artists and creative professionals through digital tools.&nbsp;The declaration also promotes cooperation on UNESCO multinational nominations, research into the origin and ownership of cultural objects, and the return and restitution of cultural property. It also proposes exploring artificial intelligence-based tools to help trace cultural property.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-is-not-anti-west-it-s-just-challenging-the-west-s-monopoly-on-power-1788887405395">BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power</a><h3>Protecting heritage and creators</h3>The Bhopal Declaration calls for greater efforts to protect Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions. It also encourages cooperation among museums, libraries and archives to preserve documentary heritage through digitisation and conservation.&nbsp;The declaration further focuses on protecting creators’ rights in the age of artificial intelligence. It calls for transparency and fair and equitable remuneration when copyrighted works are used in AI systems.India also announced a pilot initiative to create a Voluntary Artist Registry under the Culture Track. The initiative aims to support cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks and create more opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS countries.&nbsp;The Culture Track also created space for bilateral discussions. Union Minister of Culture and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, held meetings with representatives from participating countries. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation and identifying areas of mutual interest.<h3>India’s cultural heritage takes centre stage</h3>The cultural programme also allowed visiting delegations to explore India’s cultural and civilisational heritage.&nbsp;On August 5, delegates visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Following the ministerial meeting, delegations are being taken to Sanchi to explore its important Buddhist heritage.&nbsp;A visit to Bhimbetka is scheduled for the morning of August 9. The site will allow participating delegations to experience India’s prehistoric rock shelters and ancient cultural heritage.&nbsp;Through these initiatives, the BRICS Culture Track seeks to bring people closer by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and shared understanding beyond national borders.

BRICS is using its cultural track to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote cultural cooperation, protect shared heritage and create new opportunities for artists and creative communities across member countries.

Beyond climate action, governance and economic cooperation, BRICS has grown into an important platform for strengthening people-to-people connections and building cultural bridges among its member countries. The grouping represents more than 45 per cent of the world’s population and uses its Cultural and People-to-People Exchange Pillar to promote greater interaction among communities. The cultural track works through the annual BRICS Culture Working Group sessions, dedicated arts and theatre festivals, and the annual meeting of BRICS Culture Ministers. During India’s BRICS Chairship, the 11th BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting was held in Bhopal on August 7. The meeting ended with the adoption of the Bhopal Declaration, which sets out a practical framework to deepen cultural cooperation among BRICS member states and partner countries. The declaration focuses on expanding cooperation in cultural and creative industries and the wider creative economy. It calls for countries to share methods, experiences and best practices while supporting creators and strengthening professional networks. It also seeks to expand market opportunities for artists and creative professionals through digital tools. The declaration also promotes cooperation on UNESCO multinational nominations, research into the origin and ownership of cultural objects, and the return and restitution of cultural property. It also proposes exploring artificial intelligence-based tools to help trace cultural property. Also Read: BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power Protecting heritage and creators The Bhopal Declaration calls for greater efforts to protect Traditional Knowledge Systems and Traditional Cultural Expressions. It also encourages cooperation among museums, libraries and archives to preserve documentary heritage through digitisation and conservation. The declaration further focuses on protecting creators’ rights in the age of artificial intelligence. It calls for transparency and fair and equitable remuneration when copyrighted works are used in AI systems. India also announced a pilot initiative to create a Voluntary Artist Registry under the Culture Track. The initiative aims to support cultural exchanges, strengthen professional networks and create more opportunities for artists and creative practitioners across BRICS countries. The Culture Track also created space for bilateral discussions. Union Minister of Culture and the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, held meetings with representatives from participating countries. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation and identifying areas of mutual interest. India’s cultural heritage takes centre stage The cultural programme also allowed visiting delegations to explore India’s cultural and civilisational heritage. On August 5, delegates visited the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal. Following the ministerial meeting, delegations are being taken to Sanchi to explore its important Buddhist heritage. A visit to Bhimbetka is scheduled for the morning of August 9. The site will allow participating delegations to experience India’s prehistoric rock shelters and ancient cultural heritage. Through these initiatives, the BRICS Culture Track seeks to bring people closer by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and shared understanding beyond national borders.

BRICS is using its cultural track to strengthen people-to-people ties, promote cultural cooperation, protect shared heritage and create new opportunities for artists and creative communities across member countries.

BRICS cultural diplomacy: Building bridges between people and nations

The countdown to the 18th BRICS Summit has begun.India's national capital is preparing for the arrival of global leaders at the high-stakes gathering, where countries at war, countries affected by war, and those pushing for peace will be under the same roof.What began as a BRIC summit in 2009 became BRICS with South Africa's inclusion in 2011.But in the last few years, BRICS has expanded exponentially, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining in 2024. The latest country to join the grouping is Indonesia. With the exception of America and its Western allies, BRICS provides a counterbalance to Western hegemony over the global order.The rules of this new and emerging world order are no longer being drafted in Western capitals. Despite internal differences and disputes, BRICS provides a critical platform for convergence on shared interests, especially trade and the economy.Trump's tariff threats and wars in West Asia and Ukraine have left the Western consensus fractured. At the same time, countries like China and India are positioning themselves as stabilising forces.But there is a caveat. There is still a huge difference between what BRICS can be and what it really is. This untapped potential of the grouping can be realised if the member states manage to work out their differences.China and India have a border dispute to resolve; Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been dragged into the West Asia conflict. Iran and Russia have their own active wars to resolve.The internal power dynamics have certainly not stopped these countries from engaging on common interests. But can they move further without resolving these issues? That remains a big question.BRICS will bring together India, China and Russia once again after last month's SCO Summit.Increased diplomatic engagements and coordination on the bilateral front have revived speculation regarding the RIC trilateral. Russia is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China troika.New Delhi, on the other hand, has shown cautious openness.BRICS nations are facing three big challenges, which boil down to one aspect: the economy.Tariffs, wars and energy — all of these affect the economy.The strings of all these issues are, one way or another, attached to Washington, where the Trump administration will be watching the summit very closely. China and India are the world's second-largest economy and fastest-growing major economy, respectively.Both countries are net importers of oil. The longer the Hormuz blockade continues, the greater will be the cost of energy.Then come tariffs. The US President's tariff onslaught has left countries searching for new markets, and the economic component of BRICS could come into play on this front.The grouping collectively represents 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of world GDP and 26 per cent of global trade.Last year's BRICS declaration called for comprehensive UN reform, multilateral trade reform and inclusive governance, while strengthening the group's role as a platform for Global South solidarity.New Delhi has outlined four pillars for its BRICS chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.The focus will be on strengthening economic resilience to navigate global uncertainties and deepening multilateral engagement through policy coordination, development finance and trade facilitation.When BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, all eyes will be on how the forum positions itself in the wake of global challenges.More importantly, how countries position themselves within the group itself amid internal differences and disputes.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed</a>&nbsp;

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will bring together major emerging economies as they navigate tariffs, wars, energy concerns and internal differences.

The countdown to the 18th BRICS Summit has begun. India's national capital is preparing for the arrival of global leaders at the high-stakes gathering, where countries at war, countries affected by war, and those pushing for peace will be under the same roof. What began as a BRIC summit in 2009 became BRICS with South Africa's inclusion in 2011. But in the last few years, BRICS has expanded exponentially, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joining in 2024. The latest country to join the grouping is Indonesia. With the exception of America and its Western allies, BRICS provides a counterbalance to Western hegemony over the global order. The rules of this new and emerging world order are no longer being drafted in Western capitals. Despite internal differences and disputes, BRICS provides a critical platform for convergence on shared interests, especially trade and the economy. Trump's tariff threats and wars in West Asia and Ukraine have left the Western consensus fractured. At the same time, countries like China and India are positioning themselves as stabilising forces. But there is a caveat. There is still a huge difference between what BRICS can be and what it really is. This untapped potential of the grouping can be realised if the member states manage to work out their differences. China and India have a border dispute to resolve; Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been dragged into the West Asia conflict. Iran and Russia have their own active wars to resolve. The internal power dynamics have certainly not stopped these countries from engaging on common interests. But can they move further without resolving these issues? That remains a big question. BRICS will bring together India, China and Russia once again after last month's SCO Summit. Increased diplomatic engagements and coordination on the bilateral front have revived speculation regarding the RIC trilateral. Russia is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China troika. New Delhi, on the other hand, has shown cautious openness. BRICS nations are facing three big challenges, which boil down to one aspect: the economy. Tariffs, wars and energy — all of these affect the economy. The strings of all these issues are, one way or another, attached to Washington, where the Trump administration will be watching the summit very closely. China and India are the world's second-largest economy and fastest-growing major economy, respectively. Both countries are net importers of oil. The longer the Hormuz blockade continues, the greater will be the cost of energy. Then come tariffs. The US President's tariff onslaught has left countries searching for new markets, and the economic component of BRICS could come into play on this front. The grouping collectively represents 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of world GDP and 26 per cent of global trade. Last year's BRICS declaration called for comprehensive UN reform, multilateral trade reform and inclusive governance, while strengthening the group's role as a platform for Global South solidarity. New Delhi has outlined four pillars for its BRICS chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The focus will be on strengthening economic resilience to navigate global uncertainties and deepening multilateral engagement through policy coordination, development finance and trade facilitation. When BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, all eyes will be on how the forum positions itself in the wake of global challenges. More importantly, how countries position themselves within the group itself amid internal differences and disputes. https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi will bring together major emerging economies as they navigate tariffs, wars, energy concerns and internal differences.

Race To Power: Can India, China and Russia bridge differences amid global crises?

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India briefing, said that more than 90 per cent of the transactions between Russia and the BRICS countries are settled in their national currencies. He added that Moscow is not seeking de-dollarisation but accused some countries of using their currency as a political instrument.&nbsp;"We are not pursuing the goal of de-dollarisation. On the contrary, we are open to any possible payment method," Peskov said. He added that since the US does not allow Russia to use their currency, they use their own currency.“Since they don’t allow us to use their currencies, we use our own,” said Peskov, arguing that payment in national currencies is beneficial for all.&nbsp;Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian banks like VTB, Bank Rossiya, and Promsvyazbank have been cut off from the SWIFT network. Roughly $300 billion of Russia's foreign exchange reserves were frozen in the US and European countries' accounts. The US Treasury also imposed a ban on the Moscow Exchange and its national clearing centre. They effectively tried to cut Russia out of the global financial system. It made other countries anxious about potential vulnerability in the US-dominated global financial order. Even though the concept of de-dollarisation has been around for a long time, it started to amplify since 2022.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨BRICS countries are now conducting 90% of their transactions in national currencies, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at Sputnik India briefing <a href="https://t.co/ko5pnwlSgG">pic.twitter.com/ko5pnwlSgG</a>&mdash; Sputnik (@SputnikInt) <a href="https://x.com/SputnikInt/status/2097242262782496775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-man-lifts-scorpio-rooftop-crane-prevent-theft-1788802093797">Watch | Bihar man lifts Mahindra Scorpio onto rooftop with crane to prevent theft</a>Russia's statement indicates it is not directly pushing for de-dollarisation ideologically but implying that national currency settlements are a practical response to sanctions.&nbsp;Peskov also announced the creation of a BRICS grain exchange program, which can contribute to global food security. Russia said that it is continuing its dialogue with the countries concerned.His comments came ahead of the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, where President Vladimir Putin is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Peskov said that Putin and Modi share very close contact and discuss almost all sensitive issues together.Peskov also added that Russia 'highly appreciates' India's BRICS Chairmanship and said that the summit is expected to be successful.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said more than 90% of Russia's transactions with BRICS countries are settled in national currencies.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking at the Sputnik India briefing, said that more than 90 per cent of the transactions between Russia and the BRICS countries are settled in their national currencies. He added that Moscow is not seeking de-dollarisation but accused some countries of using their currency as a political instrument. "We are not pursuing the goal of de-dollarisation. On the contrary, we are open to any possible payment method," Peskov said. He added that since the US does not allow Russia to use their currency, they use their own currency. “Since they don’t allow us to use their currencies, we use our own,” said Peskov, arguing that payment in national currencies is beneficial for all. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian banks like VTB, Bank Rossiya, and Promsvyazbank have been cut off from the SWIFT network. Roughly $300 billion of Russia's foreign exchange reserves were frozen in the US and European countries' accounts. The US Treasury also imposed a ban on the Moscow Exchange and its national clearing centre. They effectively tried to cut Russia out of the global financial system. It made other countries anxious about potential vulnerability in the US-dominated global financial order. Even though the concept of de-dollarisation has been around for a long time, it started to amplify since 2022.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said more than 90% of Russia's transactions with BRICS countries are settled in national currencies.

BRICS 2026: Russia says  over 90% of Russia-BRICS trade settled in national currencies

Donald Trump may not be sitting at the BRICS table in New Delhi, but his shadow will be hard to miss. As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, the grouping meets at a moment when almost every major fault line in the global economy and geopolitics runs through Washington, from tariffs and trade wars to the US-Iran conflict, energy security, sanctions on Russia and the future of the dollar. And that makes the Delhi summit about much more than another gathering of emerging economies.&nbsp;The question is whether BRICS can merely discuss a changing world, or actually shape it. Trump's tariff policies have forced countries to rethink their dependence on the US market. His pressure on buyers of Russian energy has also put India and China in a difficult position, given their importance to Moscow's oil trade. At the same time, the US-Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz have turned energy security into an immediate economic concern for much of the Global South. For India, the stakes are particularly high.&nbsp;New Delhi wants BRICS to become a stronger platform for the Global South, while resisting the idea that the grouping should simply become an anti-American or anti-Western alliance. That balancing act is central to India's strategic autonomy. The irony is striking. BRICS was initially conceived largely as an economic grouping. Twenty years later, it has become a platform through which emerging powers are demanding a greater say in global governance, finance and international decision-making. The expanded grouping now represents a substantial share of the world's population and economy.&nbsp;But size is not the same as power, and numbers do not automatically translate into unity. China and India have competing strategic interests. Russia wants the grouping to challenge Western sanctions and financial dominance. Iran has its own expectations from BRICS amid the war with the US and Israel. Gulf members have to balance relations with Washington with their expanding ties with Beijing, Moscow and New Delhi. And then there is the question of the dollar.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-russia-says-putin-will-update-pm-modi-on-ukraine-conflict-during-their-meeting-on-friday-1788858646955">BRICS Summit 2026: Russia says Putin will update PM Modi on Ukraine conflict during their meeting</a>&nbsp;For years, BRICS members have discussed greater use of local currencies, alternative payment mechanisms and reducing dependence on Western-controlled financial systems. India, however, has remained cautious about turning BRICS into a vehicle for outright de-dollarisation. That distinction could matter enormously in Delhi. Does India want BRICS to confront America, or does it want BRICS to make the world less dependent on any one power? The answer could define India's presidency.&nbsp;There are already signs that economic questions will sit alongside the larger geopolitical conversation. India and China are expected to use the summit as another channel to address trade, technology imports and investment restrictions, while the broader BRICS agenda includes economic and financial cooperation. Meanwhile, the energy question cannot be separated from geopolitics. India's relationship with Russian oil has become a major point of friction with Washington. Yet India and Russia have continued to strengthen mechanisms for bilateral trade and payments, with Russian and Indian banks increasingly facilitating transactions in national currencies.&nbsp;So when Trump looks at BRICS, Washington is not simply looking at a diplomatic grouping. It is looking at India, China, Russia, Iran and major energy economies sitting around the same table, countries that collectively have the potential to reshape trade flows, energy markets and financial arrangements. But BRICS faces a fundamental test of its own. Can it produce a common position when its members have very different relationships with the US?&nbsp;Can it talk about a multipolar world without becoming another rigid geopolitical bloc? Can it push for reform of institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and UN while still delivering practical economic alternatives? And, perhaps most importantly, can India use the BRICS presidency to turn the Global South from a diplomatic slogan into a genuine centre of influence? The Delhi summit therefore comes at an unusually consequential moment.&nbsp;Trump's America is watching BRICS. But BRICS has an opportunity to look back, not necessarily with confrontation, but with a question of its own: If the world is becoming multipolar, who gets to write the rules? And in New Delhi, India wants to make sure the answer does not remain Washington alone. Current context: India is hosting the summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12–13 under its 2026 theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

BRICS Summit 2026 faces Trump’s tariffs, wars, energy crisis and economic pressure. Can India lead BRICS and the Global South in challenging US power?

Donald Trump may not be sitting at the BRICS table in New Delhi, but his shadow will be hard to miss. As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, the grouping meets at a moment when almost every major fault line in the global economy and geopolitics runs through Washington, from tariffs and trade wars to the US-Iran conflict, energy security, sanctions on Russia and the future of the dollar. And that makes the Delhi summit about much more than another gathering of emerging economies. The question is whether BRICS can merely discuss a changing world, or actually shape it. Trump's tariff policies have forced countries to rethink their dependence on the US market. His pressure on buyers of Russian energy has also put India and China in a difficult position, given their importance to Moscow's oil trade. At the same time, the US-Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz have turned energy security into an immediate economic concern for much of the Global South. For India, the stakes are particularly high. New Delhi wants BRICS to become a stronger platform for the Global South, while resisting the idea that the grouping should simply become an anti-American or anti-Western alliance. That balancing act is central to India's strategic autonomy. The irony is striking. BRICS was initially conceived largely as an economic grouping. Twenty years later, it has become a platform through which emerging powers are demanding a greater say in global governance, finance and international decision-making. The expanded grouping now represents a substantial share of the world's population and economy. But size is not the same as power, and numbers do not automatically translate into unity. China and India have competing strategic interests. Russia wants the grouping to challenge Western sanctions and financial dominance. Iran has its own expectations from BRICS amid the war with the US and Israel. Gulf members have to balance relations with Washington with their expanding ties with Beijing, Moscow and New Delhi. And then there is the question of the dollar. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Russia says Putin will update PM Modi on Ukraine conflict during their meeting For years, BRICS members have discussed greater use of local currencies, alternative payment mechanisms and reducing dependence on Western-controlled financial systems. India, however, has remained cautious about turning BRICS into a vehicle for outright de-dollarisation. That distinction could matter enormously in Delhi. Does India want BRICS to confront America, or does it want BRICS to make the world less dependent on any one power? The answer could define India's presidency. There are already signs that economic questions will sit alongside the larger geopolitical conversation. India and China are expected to use the summit as another channel to address trade, technology imports and investment restrictions, while the broader BRICS agenda includes economic and financial cooperation. Meanwhile, the energy question cannot be separated from geopolitics. India's relationship with Russian oil has become a major point of friction with Washington. Yet India and Russia have continued to strengthen mechanisms for bilateral trade and payments, with Russian and Indian banks increasingly facilitating transactions in national currencies. So when Trump looks at BRICS, Washington is not simply looking at a diplomatic grouping. It is looking at India, China, Russia, Iran and major energy economies sitting around the same table, countries that collectively have the potential to reshape trade flows, energy markets and financial arrangements. But BRICS faces a fundamental test of its own. Can it produce a common position when its members have very different relationships with the US? Can it talk about a multipolar world without becoming another rigid geopolitical bloc? Can it push for reform of institutions such as the IMF, World Bank and UN while still delivering practical economic alternatives? And, perhaps most importantly, can India use the BRICS presidency to turn the Global South from a diplomatic slogan into a genuine centre of influence? The Delhi summit therefore comes at an unusually consequential moment. Trump's America is watching BRICS. But BRICS has an opportunity to look back, not necessarily with confrontation, but with a question of its own: If the world is becoming multipolar, who gets to write the rules? And in New Delhi, India wants to make sure the answer does not remain Washington alone. Current context: India is hosting the summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12–13 under its 2026 theme of “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Trump’s tariffs, wars, energy shocks and economic pressure loom over BRICS 2026. Can India lead the Global South in pushing back against US power?

BRICS Summit 2026: Trump must be watching amid pushbacks from member states on US tariffs, conflicts and energy trade

India's BRICS presidency is giving New Delhi another opportunity to test something it began building at the G20 summit in Delhi in 2023: a larger diplomatic role as a voice for the Global South. The question is no longer simply whether India can host another major international summit. It is whether New Delhi can turn its ability to bring developing and emerging economies together into lasting influence on the global agenda.The road to BRICS 2026 runs through Delhi's G20 moment.&nbsp;When India hosted the G20 in September 2023, it put developing countries' concerns at the centre of its presidency. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member was one of the clearest symbols of that approach. India also convened the Voice of Global South Summit, seeking to bring the concerns of countries outside the traditional centres of global power into major international discussions. Three years later, the setting has changed, but the broad ambition remains.&nbsp;India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together an expanded group of emerging economies and developing countries. Under India's chairship, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already been held across more than 25 Indian cities. The official theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflects New Delhi's attempt to present BRICS as a practical platform for development and cooperation rather than simply an alternative to the West. That distinction is important. BRICS today is much larger and more diverse than the original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Its expansion has brought in countries with different political systems, economic interests and relationships with the United States and Europe. That makes it difficult to turn BRICS into a single geopolitical bloc.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/relations-continue-to-develop-iran-hails-india-ties-ahead-of-brics-summit-as-us-keeps-close-watch-1788847544834">'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit as US keeps close watch</a>&nbsp;India appears more interested in using that diversity to its advantage. New Delhi wants BRICS to push for greater representation for developing economies in institutions such as the UN, IMF and World Bank, while also focusing on issues such as trade, development finance, technology, food and energy security and resilient supply chains. India's recent BRICS trade agenda has also focused on MSME finance, services trade and diversified global value chains. This is where India's Global South pitch becomes different from a straightforward China-Russia narrative.&nbsp;For Beijing and Moscow, BRICS can be part of a broader push towards a more multipolar international system. For New Delhi, however, the grouping must also remain useful to countries that do not want to choose sides between Washington and Beijing. India's strength lies precisely in that space.It can sit with China and Russia in BRICS, engage the US and its Western partners through other platforms, and simultaneously speak about the priorities of developing economies. That multi-alignment gives New Delhi diplomatic room that few other major powers possess. Recent analysis has described this approach as strategic multi-engagement, allowing India to work across competing power centres without formally joining any one bloc. The BRICS summit in Delhi, therefore, should be seen as more than a two-day diplomatic event.&nbsp;It is a test of whether India can move from being a country that hosts conversations to one that shapes them. And the next test comes just three months later. The 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit will be held in Miami on December 14-15 under the US presidency. That puts India in an interesting position. After hosting BRICS and making the Global South a central part of its diplomatic messaging, New Delhi will enter a G20 setting led by Washington, where the agenda and political tone could be very different.&nbsp;That transition could reveal the real extent of India's diplomatic influence. Can India carry the concerns it raises in BRICS into the G20? Can it push for a stronger voice for developing economies without allowing the Global South agenda to become a contest between China and the United States? And can New Delhi persuade countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East that India's version of multipolarity is about giving them greater agency rather than asking them to pick a camp?&nbsp;That is the larger story behind BRICS 2026. India's G20 presidency in 2023 gave it the platform. The Voice of Global South initiative gave the idea political shape. BRICS 2026 allows New Delhi to expand that role across a much broader coalition of emerging economies. The real measure of success, however, may come in Miami. If India can carry its Global South agenda from Delhi's BRICS table into the US-led G20, it would suggest that New Delhi is not merely seeking a larger seat at the global table. It is learning how to influence what is discussed at that table.

BRICS Summit 2026 tests India's growing Global South role as New Delhi builds on its 2023 G20 presidency and seeks greater influence in global affairs

India's BRICS presidency is giving New Delhi another opportunity to test something it began building at the G20 summit in Delhi in 2023: a larger diplomatic role as a voice for the Global South. The question is no longer simply whether India can host another major international summit. It is whether New Delhi can turn its ability to bring developing and emerging economies together into lasting influence on the global agenda. The road to BRICS 2026 runs through Delhi's G20 moment. When India hosted the G20 in September 2023, it put developing countries' concerns at the centre of its presidency. The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member was one of the clearest symbols of that approach. India also convened the Voice of Global South Summit, seeking to bring the concerns of countries outside the traditional centres of global power into major international discussions. Three years later, the setting has changed, but the broad ambition remains. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together an expanded group of emerging economies and developing countries. Under India's chairship, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already been held across more than 25 Indian cities. The official theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflects New Delhi's attempt to present BRICS as a practical platform for development and cooperation rather than simply an alternative to the West. That distinction is important. BRICS today is much larger and more diverse than the original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India and China. Its expansion has brought in countries with different political systems, economic interests and relationships with the United States and Europe. That makes it difficult to turn BRICS into a single geopolitical bloc. Also Read: 'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit as US keeps close watch India appears more interested in using that diversity to its advantage. New Delhi wants BRICS to push for greater representation for developing economies in institutions such as the UN, IMF and World Bank, while also focusing on issues such as trade, development finance, technology, food and energy security and resilient supply chains. India's recent BRICS trade agenda has also focused on MSME finance, services trade and diversified global value chains. This is where India's Global South pitch becomes different from a straightforward China-Russia narrative. For Beijing and Moscow, BRICS can be part of a broader push towards a more multipolar international system. For New Delhi, however, the grouping must also remain useful to countries that do not want to choose sides between Washington and Beijing. India's strength lies precisely in that space. It can sit with China and Russia in BRICS, engage the US and its Western partners through other platforms, and simultaneously speak about the priorities of developing economies. That multi-alignment gives New Delhi diplomatic room that few other major powers possess. Recent analysis has described this approach as strategic multi-engagement, allowing India to work across competing power centres without formally joining any one bloc. The BRICS summit in Delhi, therefore, should be seen as more than a two-day diplomatic event. It is a test of whether India can move from being a country that hosts conversations to one that shapes them. And the next test comes just three months later. The 2026 G20 Leaders' Summit will be held in Miami on December 14-15 under the US presidency. That puts India in an interesting position. After hosting BRICS and making the Global South a central part of its diplomatic messaging, New Delhi will enter a G20 setting led by Washington, where the agenda and political tone could be very different. That transition could reveal the real extent of India's diplomatic influence. Can India carry the concerns it raises in BRICS into the G20? Can it push for a stronger voice for developing economies without allowing the Global South agenda to become a contest between China and the United States? And can New Delhi persuade countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East that India's version of multipolarity is about giving them greater agency rather than asking them to pick a camp? That is the larger story behind BRICS 2026. India's G20 presidency in 2023 gave it the platform. The Voice of Global South initiative gave the idea political shape. BRICS 2026 allows New Delhi to expand that role across a much broader coalition of emerging economies. The real measure of success, however, may come in Miami. If India can carry its Global South agenda from Delhi's BRICS table into the US-led G20, it would suggest that New Delhi is not merely seeking a larger seat at the global table. It is learning how to influence what is discussed at that table.

BRICS 2026 tests whether India can turn its G20 Delhi momentum into lasting influence as a voice for the Global South on the world stage

BRICS Summit 2026: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as the voice of the Global South?

Before the emergence of BRICS on June 16, 2009, there was RIC, which stands for Russia, India, and China. This trilateral strategic grouping served as the foundational precursor and core building block for BRICS. The trio, formulated in the late 1990s by Russian statesman Yevgeny Primakov, was aimed at promoting a multipolar world order and countering unipolar global dominance. Brazil joined the group in 2004, transforming the concept into the BRIC framework, which later added South Africa to become BRICS. This trilateral bloc has held over twenty ministerial-level meetings since the early 1990s. While talk of reviving it has intensified through 2025 and 2026, the three powers remain far from acting as a unified bloc capable of standing up to the West. Although there are few instances where Russia and China have pushed to revive the block but outcome still remains far from reality. On January 20, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-severe-election-defeat-german-chancellor-merz-shocked-after-cdu-s-worst-lost-in-decades-warns-of-consequence-1788803389383">'Most severe election defeat': German Chancellor Merz shocked after CDU's worst lost in decades, warns of ‘consequence’</a> Reports suggest that, according to Russia, the RIC’s revival has become vital as Beijing is rapidly wanting to consolidate absolute dominance. It also indicated that Russia could mobilise the bloc to coordinate the technical mechanisms of sanctions evasion, focusing on the integration of payment systems (SPFS/CIPS/UPI) and the use of national currencies for energy trade. Similarly, China has also echoed this enthusiasm for backing Russia's push to revive the long-dormant format. This has framed it as important for regional and global stability, though the mechanism has remained largely inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 India-China border clashes in Ladakh.<h3>India's caution to join RIC</h3>Reports indicated that India has stayed notably reserved in expressing any opinion on joining RIC. In July 2025, India neither rejected nor explicitly endorsed reviving RIC, suggesting a cautious openness rather than enthusiasm. New Delhi's hesitation is directly linked to its unresolved border tensions with China, as India has continuously emphasised that its relations with Beijing depend on progress at the border first.<h3>Will RIC emerge?</h3>The answer to this question is unclear, as we think Russia and China have clear incentives to formalise the RIC, since it boosts their standing and signals resistance to Western isolation. However, India has structural reasons to keep the mechanism informal due to its border tensions with China, its strategic balancing between Washington and Moscow, and its reluctance to be considered anti-West. These developments indicate that all work against a tightly coordinated trio, which is very hard to push further for its emergence. Meanwhile, the India-Russia-China triangle shouldn't allow other nations to dominate or hurt the others' interests. But China's closeness with the US will threaten Russia's wants of a multipolar world. Therefore, Russia will attempt to keep India engaged regionally. India, too, benefits from staying involved, ensuring coordination among these major powers.&nbsp;

The trio came into existence in the late 1990s by Russian statesman Yevgeny Primakov, aiming to promote a multipolar world order and counter unipolar global dominance.

Before the emergence of BRICS on June 16, 2009, there was RIC, which stands for Russia, India, and China. This trilateral strategic grouping served as the foundational precursor and core building block for BRICS. The trio, formulated in the late 1990s by Russian statesman Yevgeny Primakov, was aimed at promoting a multipolar world order and countering unipolar global dominance. Brazil joined the group in 2004, transforming the concept into the BRIC framework, which later added South Africa to become BRICS. This trilateral bloc has held over twenty ministerial-level meetings since the early 1990s. While talk of reviving it has intensified through 2025 and 2026, the three powers remain far from acting as a unified bloc capable of standing up to the West. Although there are few instances where Russia and China have pushed to revive the block but outcome still remains far from reality. On January 20, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Moscow is striving to revive the activities of the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral. Also read: 'Most severe election defeat': German Chancellor Merz shocked after CDU's worst lost in decades, warns of ‘consequence’ Reports suggest that, according to Russia, the RIC’s revival has become vital as Beijing is rapidly wanting to consolidate absolute dominance. It also indicated that Russia could mobilise the bloc to coordinate the technical mechanisms of sanctions evasion, focusing on the integration of payment systems (SPFS/CIPS/UPI) and the use of national currencies for energy trade. Similarly, China has also echoed this enthusiasm for backing Russia's push to revive the long-dormant format. This has framed it as important for regional and global stability, though the mechanism has remained largely inactive since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 India-China border clashes in Ladakh. India's caution to join RIC Reports indicated that India has stayed notably reserved in expressing any opinion on joining RIC. In July 2025, India neither rejected nor explicitly endorsed reviving RIC, suggesting a cautious openness rather than enthusiasm. New Delhi's hesitation is directly linked to its unresolved border tensions with China, as India has continuously emphasised that its relations with Beijing depend on progress at the border first. Will RIC emerge? The answer to this question is unclear, as we think Russia and China have clear incentives to formalise the RIC, since it boosts their standing and signals resistance to Western isolation. However, India has structural reasons to keep the mechanism informal due to its border tensions with China, its strategic balancing between Washington and Moscow, and its reluctance to be considered anti-West. These developments indicate that all work against a tightly coordinated trio, which is very hard to push further for its emergence. Meanwhile, the India-Russia-China triangle shouldn't allow other nations to dominate or hurt the others' interests. But China's closeness with the US will threaten Russia's wants of a multipolar world. Therefore, Russia will attempt to keep India engaged regionally. India, too, benefits from staying involved, ensuring coordination among these major powers.

The trio came into existence in the late 1990s by Russian statesman Yevgeny Primakov, aiming to promote a multipolar world order and counter unipolar global dominance.

Will RIC emerge from BRICS? The question of a power trio that hesitates to unite

India's BRICS presidency comes at a time when the global balance of power is changing rapidly. The September 12–13 summit in New Delhi is not just another meeting of emerging economies. It will test how India manages its relationships with China and Russia while keeping its strategic space open with the United States. For China and Russia, BRICS has increasingly become a platform to push for a more multipolar world and reduce Western dominance. But India has a different calculation. New Delhi wants a stronger voice for the Global South, greater cooperation among developing economies and reforms in global institutions, but it does not want BRICS to become an anti-US alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Recent analysis has also highlighted the differences within the grouping, with India and Brazil favouring a more practical and economic approach. That puts India in a delicate position. China remains India's biggest strategic challenge, even as both sides work to stabilise ties after years of border tensions. Russia, meanwhile, remains a critical partner for India in energy, defence and other strategic areas. At the same time, the US remains an important economic and strategic partner for New Delhi.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-delhi-police-traffic-advisory-affected-roads-and-travel-tips-for-commuters-all-you-need-to-know-1788767380283">BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police traffic advisory, affected roads and travel tips for commuters. All you need to know</a>&nbsp;The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Delhi would therefore give the summit an added geopolitical weight. The fact that India, China and Russia have appeared together at the SCO just weeks before the BRICS summit makes the coming meetings even more significant. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the challenge is not to choose one side over another. It is to make sure India can work with all sides without becoming dependent on any one of them.&nbsp;This is where India's idea of strategic autonomy becomes important. New Delhi wants BRICS to speak for the Global South on issues such as development, trade, technology, climate change and reform of global institutions. But it also wants to prevent the grouping from being defined mainly by opposition to Washington.&nbsp;The question at the Delhi summit, therefore, will be bigger than whether BRICS can challenge the West. Can India help create a more multipolar world without becoming part of a China-Russia-led geopolitical camp? That may be the biggest test of India's BRICS presidency, and of its foreign policy in an increasingly divided world.

BRICS Summit 2026 tests India's strategic autonomy as New Delhi balances ties with China and Russia while maintaining its relationship with the US

India's BRICS presidency comes at a time when the global balance of power is changing rapidly. The September 12–13 summit in New Delhi is not just another meeting of emerging economies. It will test how India manages its relationships with China and Russia while keeping its strategic space open with the United States. For China and Russia, BRICS has increasingly become a platform to push for a more multipolar world and reduce Western dominance. But India has a different calculation. New Delhi wants a stronger voice for the Global South, greater cooperation among developing economies and reforms in global institutions, but it does not want BRICS to become an anti-US alliance. Recent analysis has also highlighted the differences within the grouping, with India and Brazil favouring a more practical and economic approach. That puts India in a delicate position. China remains India's biggest strategic challenge, even as both sides work to stabilise ties after years of border tensions. Russia, meanwhile, remains a critical partner for India in energy, defence and other strategic areas. At the same time, the US remains an important economic and strategic partner for New Delhi. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police traffic advisory, affected roads and travel tips for commuters. All you need to know The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Delhi would therefore give the summit an added geopolitical weight. The fact that India, China and Russia have appeared together at the SCO just weeks before the BRICS summit makes the coming meetings even more significant. For Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the challenge is not to choose one side over another. It is to make sure India can work with all sides without becoming dependent on any one of them. This is where India's idea of strategic autonomy becomes important. New Delhi wants BRICS to speak for the Global South on issues such as development, trade, technology, climate change and reform of global institutions. But it also wants to prevent the grouping from being defined mainly by opposition to Washington. The question at the Delhi summit, therefore, will be bigger than whether BRICS can challenge the West. Can India help create a more multipolar world without becoming part of a China-Russia-led geopolitical camp? That may be the biggest test of India's BRICS presidency, and of its foreign policy in an increasingly divided world.

BRICS Summit 2026 tests India's balancing act as it works with China and Russia while keeping its strategic ties with the United States

BRICS Summit 2026: How India is trying to shape a multipolar world without choosing sides

New Delhi is gearing up for a high-security week as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026. The main diplomatic gathering will take place at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's major international conference venues. While the summit is a major diplomatic event, it is also expected to have a significant impact on everyday travel in Delhi. The movement of foreign leaders, senior delegations and security motorcades could temporarily affect traffic on several major roads, particularly across central and south Delhi and on routes connecting important hotels, the summit venue, railway stations and the airport. For commuters, office-goers, students and visitors, planning ahead will be important during the summit period.<h2>BRICS Summit 2026 dates and venue</h2>The BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The summit follows months of meetings and diplomatic engagements conducted under India's BRICS chairship. Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are expected to discuss economic, political and global issues. The main summit venue is Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, a prominent international conference and exhibition complex in the national capital.<h2>Why could Delhi traffic be affected during BRICS Summit?</h2>The movement of VIP motorcades is expected to be one of the biggest factors affecting traffic during the summit.The Delhi Traffic Police has been carrying out motorcade rehearsals and preparing diversion arrangements ahead of the high-profile event. More than 35 roads are expected to come under traffic regulation, while 22 diversion points have been identified as part of the arrangements. The impact is expected to extend well beyond Pragati Maidan. Roads in central and south Delhi, along with routes connecting major diplomatic districts and hotels, could face temporary restrictions when a dignitary's convoy passes.&nbsp;Roads and areas featuring in the traffic arrangements include:<ul><li>Sardar Patel Marg</li><li>Janpath</li><li>Akbar Road</li><li>Mathura Road</li><li>Lodhi Road</li><li>Mandi House</li><li>Dhaula Kuan</li></ul>However, commuters should note that restrictions may vary depending on convoy movements and security requirements.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-delhi-hotel-rooms-that-cost-18-000-now-quote-80-000-1788762849870">BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi hotel rooms that cost ₹18,000 now quote ₹80,000</a><h2>BRICS traffic advisory: What should commuters do?</h2>People travelling through central Delhi between September 11 and 13 should consider leaving earlier than usual. A journey that normally takes 30 minutes could take significantly longer if traffic is temporarily stopped or diverted because of a VIP convoy. The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible. Those travelling by private vehicle should check the latest traffic updates before starting their journey and remain prepared to take an alternative route. People travelling to the airport should be especially cautious and allow additional time. Restrictions on roads leading towards Indira Gandhi International Airport could affect airport-bound traffic during convoy movements.<h2>What about railway stations during the BRICS Summit?</h2>Passengers travelling to or from New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations should also plan their journeys in advance. Traffic management arrangements include routes used by passengers travelling to and from these major railway stations. Anyone with a train to catch during the summit period should avoid leaving home at the last minute. The same advice applies to people travelling to railway stations to receive relatives or friends. Allowing additional travel time could help passengers avoid the risk of missing trains because of unexpected diversions or temporary road closures.<h2>Delhi schools closed on September 11</h2>One of the most immediate changes for Delhi residents will be the closure of schools on Friday, September 11. The Directorate of Education has directed schools across the capital to remain closed that day as part of arrangements for the BRICS Summit.The move is intended to reduce traffic pressure and facilitate security arrangements and the movement of visiting dignitaries during the high-profile event. Some offices may also remain closed or modify their operations on September 11, depending on applicable government directions and individual workplace arrangements.<h2>BRICS traffic restrictions may be temporary</h2>A road mentioned in a BRICS-related traffic advisory should not automatically be considered closed for the entire day. Many restrictions are expected to be linked to the movement of motorcades and specific security requirements. Traffic could therefore be regulated, diverted or stopped temporarily before normal movement resumes. For this reason, commuters should check live traffic updates shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on their usual route or a static traffic map.<h2>Delhi Metro may be the easier travel option</h2>For journeys within Delhi, the Metro is likely to offer a more predictable alternative to driving through areas affected by convoy movements. Traffic authorities have encouraged commuters to consider public transport during the period of heightened restrictions. Those who need to drive should identify alternative routes in advance and avoid depending entirely on their regular route, particularly when travelling through central Delhi or areas connected to the summit venue.<h2>Security arrangements across Delhi</h2>Traffic management is only one part of the preparations for the summit. Security has been stepped up around the summit venue and hotels expected to accommodate visiting dignitaries. Authorities are also coordinating with neighbouring states to manage movement along Delhi's borders and maintain security during the event. The Delhi administration has reviewed arrangements covering traffic management, security, civic services and emergency medical response ahead of the summit.

BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi: Check traffic restrictions, affected roads, diversions, school closure, Metro advice and airport and railway travel tips

New Delhi is gearing up for a high-security week as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026. The main diplomatic gathering will take place at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's major international conference venues. While the summit is a major diplomatic event, it is also expected to have a significant impact on everyday travel in Delhi. The movement of foreign leaders, senior delegations and security motorcades could temporarily affect traffic on several major roads, particularly across central and south Delhi and on routes connecting important hotels, the summit venue, railway stations and the airport. For commuters, office-goers, students and visitors, planning ahead will be important during the summit period. BRICS Summit 2026 dates and venue The BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The summit follows months of meetings and diplomatic engagements conducted under India's BRICS chairship. Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are expected to discuss economic, political and global issues. The main summit venue is Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, a prominent international conference and exhibition complex in the national capital. Why could Delhi traffic be affected during BRICS Summit? The movement of VIP motorcades is expected to be one of the biggest factors affecting traffic during the summit. The Delhi Traffic Police has been carrying out motorcade rehearsals and preparing diversion arrangements ahead of the high-profile event. More than 35 roads are expected to come under traffic regulation, while 22 diversion points have been identified as part of the arrangements. The impact is expected to extend well beyond Pragati Maidan. Roads in central and south Delhi, along with routes connecting major diplomatic districts and hotels, could face temporary restrictions when a dignitary's convoy passes. Roads and areas featuring in the traffic arrangements include: Sardar Patel Marg Janpath Akbar Road Mathura Road Lodhi Road Mandi House Dhaula Kuan However, commuters should note that restrictions may vary depending on convoy movements and security requirements. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi hotel rooms that cost ₹18,000 now quote ₹80,000 BRICS traffic advisory: What should commuters do? People travelling through central Delhi between September 11 and 13 should consider leaving earlier than usual. A journey that normally takes 30 minutes could take significantly longer if traffic is temporarily stopped or diverted because of a VIP convoy. The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible. Those travelling by private vehicle should check the latest traffic updates before starting their journey and remain prepared to take an alternative route. People travelling to the airport should be especially cautious and allow additional time. Restrictions on roads leading towards Indira Gandhi International Airport could affect airport-bound traffic during convoy movements. What about railway stations during the BRICS Summit? Passengers travelling to or from New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations should also plan their journeys in advance. Traffic management arrangements include routes used by passengers travelling to and from these major railway stations. Anyone with a train to catch during the summit period should avoid leaving home at the last minute. The same advice applies to people travelling to railway stations to receive relatives or friends. Allowing additional travel time could help passengers avoid the risk of missing trains because of unexpected diversions or temporary road closures. Delhi schools closed on September 11 One of the most immediate changes for Delhi residents will be the closure of schools on Friday, September 11. The Directorate of Education has directed schools across the capital to remain closed that day as part of arrangements for the BRICS Summit. The move is intended to reduce traffic pressure and facilitate security arrangements and the movement of visiting dignitaries during the high-profile event. Some offices may also remain closed or modify their operations on September 11, depending on applicable government directions and individual workplace arrangements. BRICS traffic restrictions may be temporary A road mentioned in a BRICS-related traffic advisory should not automatically be considered closed for the entire day. Many restrictions are expected to be linked to the movement of motorcades and specific security requirements. Traffic could therefore be regulated, diverted or stopped temporarily before normal movement resumes. For this reason, commuters should check live traffic updates shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on their usual route or a static traffic map. Delhi Metro may be the easier travel option For journeys within Delhi, the Metro is likely to offer a more predictable alternative to driving through areas affected by convoy movements. Traffic authorities have encouraged commuters to consider public transport during the period of heightened restrictions. Those who need to drive should identify alternative routes in advance and avoid depending entirely on their regular route, particularly when travelling through central Delhi or areas connected to the summit venue. Security arrangements across Delhi Traffic management is only one part of the preparations for the summit. Security has been stepped up around the summit venue and hotels expected to accommodate visiting dignitaries. Authorities are also coordinating with neighbouring states to manage movement along Delhi's borders and maintain security during the event. The Delhi administration has reviewed arrangements covering traffic management, security, civic services and emergency medical response ahead of the summit.

New Delhi gears up for BRICS Summit 2026 with traffic restrictions, road diversions, school closure and travel advisories from September 11 to 13

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police traffic advisory, affected roads and travel tips for commuters. All you need to know

Rarely has a BRICS Chairmanship arrived amid so much simultaneous turbulence. As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on 12-13 September 2026, under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, the grouping finds itself navigating a Russia-Ukraine war that refuses to end, an Iran-Israel-US crisis that has already claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader, a US Congress moving to weaponise tariffs against Russian oil buyers, a Sino-Indian relationship only cautiously thawing after years of border tension and outcome of SCO 2026. Global turbulence, in other words, is not merely the backdrop to BRICS 2026; it has become the agenda.<h2>A sequence not of India's choosing, but to India's advantage: Impact of SCO 2026</h2>The 26th SCO Summit at Bishkek, held barely ten days before Bharat Mandapam, has effectively become a dress rehearsal for BRICS. The Bishkek Declaration condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, mourned the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, backed a just settlement on Palestine, and reaffirmed a “representative, democratic and equitable multipolar world order.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian personally asked Prime Minister Modi, in his capacity as incoming BRICS Chair, to help build a common position against US-Israeli military action.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since BRICS contains Iran alongside the more US-aligned UAE and Saudi Arabia, the same fault line that surfaced at Bishkek will resurface, in sharper form, at the BRICS table. Yet the sequencing works in India’s favour rather than against it. Having already co-signed Bishkek’s language on multipolarity and non-discriminatory trade, New Delhi arrives at its own Summit with a tested template for balancing Global South solidarity against its own strategic autonomy vis-à-vis Washington. Over 350 preparatory meetings across 25-plus cities this year testify to a chairmanship that has been methodical rather than reactive, the diplomatic equivalent of India’s subtraction and addition strategy: subtracting friction points before they harden into disputes, while adding areas of convergence the grouping can act upon together.<h2>The tariff weapon and the limits of collective retaliation</h2>The most immediate turbulence is economic. The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, passed by the US Senate, authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the largest importers of Russian oil and gas, a measure that would strike directly at India, China and, depending on final designation, Brazil. It is legislation dressed as Ukraine policy but built, as several US analysts have noted, to double as general-purpose tariff leverage against precisely the economies BRICS represents.&nbsp;Can BRICS respond as a bloc? The economics counsel caution. Intra-BRICS merchandise trade runs at roughly USD 700-800 billion annually, against combined BRICS trade with the US and EU exceeding USD 5 trillion. No BRICS economy, including China’s, is prepared to sacrifice Western market access for bloc solidarity. What the tariff threat can do, paradoxically, is accelerate what internal diplomacy has struggled to achieve: greater coordination on payment systems, supply chains and financial cooperation, precisely because external coercion, when it targets multiple members simultaneously, narrows the space for free-riding. The lesson for BRICS is unambiguous, intra-BRICS trade must expand substantially if the grouping is to develop genuine resilience against an economic hegemon acting alone.<h2>Xi's possible visit and the China variable</h2>Adding to the turbulence is the prospect of Xi Jinping’s first visit to India since 2019, pre-dating the deadly Galwan clash of 2020. A delegation of some 400 officials is reportedly being readied, even as reports of a fresh border friction point complicate the atmospherics and India’s top security official has been in Beijing for talks. If the visit materialises, it will be read globally as a signal that the India-China relationship is entering a phase of competitive coexistence rather than open confrontation, correct diplomacy for both capitals, given that neither benefits from a permanently frozen bilateral track feeding into a wider “Cold War 2.0” narrative that neither India nor China wishes to be boxed into.&nbsp;This matters for BRICS because the China-India contradiction remains, as I have argued elsewhere, the grouping’s most consequential internal tension. Beijing increasingly treats BRICS as a pillar of an alternative architecture reducing Western influence; New Delhi insists on a genuinely multipolar Asia rather than a China-centric one, and on BRICS as a reform platform rather than an anti-Western instrument. A cordial Modi-Xi meeting at the margins of Bharat Mandapam would not resolve that contradiction, but it would demonstrate that BRICS’s consensus-based model can still accommodate rival visions without capsizing, itself a form of concirclement, in which India manages competing power centres around it rather than being encircled by their rivalries.<h2>Energy security: The silent common thread</h2>Running beneath the geopolitics is a shared, less discussed vulnerability – energy security. Any escalation that threatens the Strait of Hormuz strikes directly at India’s oil import bill and inflation, and at similar exposures across China, and much of the Global South that BRICS claims to represent. The Bishkek statements on energy cooperation and India’s own MoUs on climate and connectivity are not separate from this turbulence; they are hedges against it. Chabahar Port, discussed in Prime Minister Modi’s sideline meeting with Iran’s President, and India’s continued, calibrated purchase of discounted Russian crude despite tariff threats, both reflect the same underlying calculus: energy security first, ideological alignment a distant second.<h2>Calibrated activism as the only viable course</h2>None of this turbulence is likely to derail the Summit’s declared, deliberately non-controversial themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The harder question is whether members will stay within those bounds once they are in the room together, given how many of them arrive carrying grievances, Iran’s demand for solidarity against the US and Israel, Russia’s search for sanctions relief, and China’s institutional ambitions for BRICS as counterweight to the West all sit uneasily against India’s preference for a reform-not-confrontation agenda. India’s answer has to be calibrated activism: firm enough to hold the chair’s agenda together, restrained enough not to let BRICS be captured by any single member’s confrontation with the West. This is consistent with New Delhi’s parallel engagement with the G20, the Quad and the SCO, competitive coexistence with all major poles rather than exclusive alignment with any one of them.<h2>Conclusion</h2>BRICS at twenty was already navigating internal contradictions of size, ideology and economic asymmetry. BRICS in 2026 must do so while absorbing external shocks, war, assassination, tariff coercion and great-power rivalry, arriving almost simultaneously. That the grouping’s chair this year is a nation practised in balancing exactly these pressures, and that its Summit follows so closely on the SCO’s own test of the same balancing act, is more opportunity than accident. Whether Bharat Mandapam converts turbulence into cohesion, or merely papers over it for another year, will depend on India’s ability to keep BRICS anchored to its founding purpose: reform of an unrepresentative global order, not participation in a new bloc confrontation. That, ultimately, is the measure by which this Chairmanship, and this Summit, should be judged.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260907/image-1788764142553.png"></figure>

India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship culminates at Bharat Mandapam amid a rare convergence of crises, a Russia-Ukraine war without end, an Iran-Israel-US confrontation, punitive US tariff legislation aimed at Russian oil buyers, and a cautiously thawing Sino-Indian relationship

Rarely has a BRICS Chairmanship arrived amid so much simultaneous turbulence. As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on 12-13 September 2026, under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’, the grouping finds itself navigating a Russia-Ukraine war that refuses to end, an Iran-Israel-US crisis that has already claimed the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader, a US Congress moving to weaponise tariffs against Russian oil buyers, a Sino-Indian relationship only cautiously thawing after years of border tension and outcome of SCO 2026. Global turbulence, in other words, is not merely the backdrop to BRICS 2026; it has become the agenda. A sequence not of India's choosing, but to India's advantage: Impact of SCO 2026 The 26th SCO Summit at Bishkek, held barely ten days before Bharat Mandapam, has effectively become a dress rehearsal for BRICS. The Bishkek Declaration condemned the US-Israel strikes on Iran, mourned the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, backed a just settlement on Palestine, and reaffirmed a “representative, democratic and equitable multipolar world order.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian personally asked Prime Minister Modi, in his capacity as incoming BRICS Chair, to help build a common position against US-Israeli military action. Since BRICS contains Iran alongside the more US-aligned UAE and Saudi Arabia, the same fault line that surfaced at Bishkek will resurface, in sharper form, at the BRICS table. Yet the sequencing works in India’s favour rather than against it. Having already co-signed Bishkek’s language on multipolarity and non-discriminatory trade, New Delhi arrives at its own Summit with a tested template for balancing Global South solidarity against its own strategic autonomy vis-à-vis Washington. Over 350 preparatory meetings across 25-plus cities this year testify to a chairmanship that has been methodical rather than reactive, the diplomatic equivalent of India’s subtraction and addition strategy: subtracting friction points before they harden into disputes, while adding areas of convergence the grouping can act upon together. The tariff weapon and the limits of collective retaliation The most immediate turbulence is economic. The Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, passed by the US Senate, authorises tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the largest importers of Russian oil and gas, a measure that would strike directly at India, China and, depending on final designation, Brazil. It is legislation dressed as Ukraine policy but built, as several US analysts have noted, to double as general-purpose tariff leverage against precisely the economies BRICS represents. Can BRICS respond as a bloc? The economics counsel caution. Intra-BRICS merchandise trade runs at roughly USD 700-800 billion annually, against combined BRICS trade with the US and EU exceeding USD 5 trillion. No BRICS economy, including China’s, is prepared to sacrifice Western market access for bloc solidarity. What the tariff threat can do, paradoxically, is accelerate what internal diplomacy has struggled to achieve: greater coordination on payment systems, supply chains and financial cooperation, precisely because external coercion, when it targets multiple members simultaneously, narrows the space for free-riding. The lesson for BRICS is unambiguous, intra-BRICS trade must expand substantially if the grouping is to develop genuine resilience against an economic hegemon acting alone. Xi's possible visit and the China variable Adding to the turbulence is the prospect of Xi Jinping’s first visit to India since 2019, pre-dating the deadly Galwan clash of 2020. A delegation of some 400 officials is reportedly being readied, even as reports of a fresh border friction point complicate the atmospherics and India’s top security official has been in Beijing for talks. If the visit materialises, it will be read globally as a signal that the India-China relationship is entering a phase of competitive coexistence rather than open confrontation, correct diplomacy for both capitals, given that neither benefits from a permanently frozen bilateral track feeding into a wider “Cold War 2.0” narrative that neither India nor China wishes to be boxed into. This matters for BRICS because the China-India contradiction remains, as I have argued elsewhere, the grouping’s most consequential internal tension. Beijing increasingly treats BRICS as a pillar of an alternative architecture reducing Western influence; New Delhi insists on a genuinely multipolar Asia rather than a China-centric one, and on BRICS as a reform platform rather than an anti-Western instrument. A cordial Modi-Xi meeting at the margins of Bharat Mandapam would not resolve that contradiction, but it would demonstrate that BRICS’s consensus-based model can still accommodate rival visions without capsizing, itself a form of concirclement, in which India manages competing power centres around it rather than being encircled by their rivalries. Energy security: The silent common thread Running beneath the geopolitics is a shared, less discussed vulnerability – energy security. Any escalation that threatens the Strait of Hormuz strikes directly at India’s oil import bill and inflation, and at similar exposures across China, and much of the Global South that BRICS claims to represent. The Bishkek statements on energy cooperation and India’s own MoUs on climate and connectivity are not separate from this turbulence; they are hedges against it. Chabahar Port, discussed in Prime Minister Modi’s sideline meeting with Iran’s President, and India’s continued, calibrated purchase of discounted Russian crude despite tariff threats, both reflect the same underlying calculus: energy security first, ideological alignment a distant second. Calibrated activism as the only viable course None of this turbulence is likely to derail the Summit’s declared, deliberately non-controversial themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The harder question is whether members will stay within those bounds once they are in the room together, given how many of them arrive carrying grievances, Iran’s demand for solidarity against the US and Israel, Russia’s search for sanctions relief, and China’s institutional ambitions for BRICS as counterweight to the West all sit uneasily against India’s preference for a reform-not-confrontation agenda. India’s answer has to be calibrated activism: firm enough to hold the chair’s agenda together, restrained enough not to let BRICS be captured by any single member’s confrontation with the West. This is consistent with New Delhi’s parallel engagement with the G20, the Quad and the SCO, competitive coexistence with all major poles rather than exclusive alignment with any one of them. Conclusion BRICS at twenty was already navigating internal contradictions of size, ideology and economic asymmetry. BRICS in 2026 must do so while absorbing external shocks, war, assassination, tariff coercion and great-power rivalry, arriving almost simultaneously. That the grouping’s chair this year is a nation practised in balancing exactly these pressures, and that its Summit follows so closely on the SCO’s own test of the same balancing act, is more opportunity than accident. Whether Bharat Mandapam converts turbulence into cohesion, or merely papers over it for another year, will depend on India’s ability to keep BRICS anchored to its founding purpose: reform of an unrepresentative global order, not participation in a new bloc confrontation. That, ultimately, is the measure by which this Chairmanship, and this Summit, should be judged.

India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship culminates at Bharat Mandapam amid a rare convergence of crises, a Russia-Ukraine war without end, an Iran-Israel-US confrontation, punitive US tariff legislation aimed at Russian oil buyers, and a cautiously thawing Sino-Indian relationship

Global turbulence and BRICS 2026: Can intra-BRICS trade replace the West?

India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, bringing together some of the world's most influential leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several other heads of state are expected to attend the high-profile gathering. The summit comes amid major geopolitical tensions across West Asia, Europe and the Indo-Pacific. With BRICS expanding its global footprint, discussions are expected to focus on trade, economic cooperation, global governance reforms, energy security and strategic partnerships among emerging economies.

BRICS summit 2026: Xi Jinping, Putin, Pezeshkian among top leaders heading to Delhi 

Delhi hosts a major diplomatic gathering as foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and other BRICS nations arrive for high-level discussions. The summit focuses on global cooperation, strategic partnerships, and emerging geopolitical alignments, with key attention on energy security, regional stability, and strengthening multilateral coordination among major global powers in a shifting world order.

From Iran’s Araghchi To Russia’s Lavrov, Top Leaders Arrive In Delhi For BRICS

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov has expressed strong optimism about the enduring India-Russia strategic partnership, highlighting expectations of high-level visits and deepened cooperation in energy, defence, and multilateral forums.&nbsp;Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Alipov stated that Russia expects President Vladimir Putin to visit India for the BRICS Summit in September 2026. “We expect the Russian President to be in India for the BRICS summit in September,” the Ambassador affirmed, underscoring close coordination between the two nations on the platform. India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, themed around resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, is seen as an opportunity to advance discussions on global governance reforms, counter-terrorism, trade, and investment.&nbsp;Alipov also noted that President Putin visited India last year, and Moscow is preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a reciprocal visit to Russia this year. “We are looking forward to welcoming him. Discussions are ongoing for the month,” he said, referring to the established annual summit mechanism that keeps bilateral ties on a steady trajectory.&nbsp;Full interview:&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What is your vision about this relationship?Ambassador Denis Alipov: We have a very comprehensive, very special and very privileged strategic partnership between us. Last year, you may remember, we marked the 25 years of this relationship, and it's going from strength to strength. We are very satisfied with the momentum. We have a comprehensive plan in action covering the economic development, the political coordination, the people to people, cultural ties. We have a clear vision for the future, and this relationship has been strategic for both of the countries, a long term strategic vision which has been maintained by the leadership of our countries, endorsed by the people of both our nations. This is a very important relationship for Russia, and we feel and see that the same attitude from India. Last December, President Putin visited India, and we expect the honorable Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia this year. The invitation was extended, and we're looking forward to welcoming him in Russia this year for for the bilateral interaction, bilateral summit, as we have agreed way back into 2000 to have the annual exchanges of such of such visits and summits&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Any month are we looking at, sir?Ambassador Denis Alipov: We are in discussion on that. So I'm not in a position to share any dates, we are in discussion. Later this year, in September, there will be the BRICS summit in India, and we expect the Russian president to visit India for that summit. But on the bilateral track, we are looking forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of India in Russia as well.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: The first week of this month was very busy. We saw high level visits from Russia. What was the conversation like? The focus being on issues like fertilizers, energy, agriculture, if you can perhaps sum up the key outcomes during that very busy week for India, RussiaAmbassador Denis Alipov: All these that you mentioned were discussed. The First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov was in India for the intersession meeting of the co-chairs of our intergovernmental commission, and there was a very substantial dialogue between him and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who is the co-chair from the Indian side. Fertilizers, cooperation in various sectors of manufacturing and industries, culture, agriculture, the strategic plans, the tactical plans for this year, we've had a very comprehensive discussion on all these aspects, and we are very optimistic about the prospects in the future and the ongoing cooperation on various tracks and various domains.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Energy cooperation has become one of the key pillars of the relationship. Today, India has been importing Russian energy. What is the status like currently, how much India has imported the Russian energy, especially in past one month, in the backdrop of the West Asia war&nbsp;Ambassador Denis Alipov: I think the statistics have become available now. Later on, we will probably have a more detailed picture. As of now, from what I saw, there is a substantial increase of supplies. But I would like to stress that we have been very consistent in our position and commitment. We have always maintained that we are prepared to supply oil to India irrespective of geopolitical developments. This is our consistent approach. Basically, we are prepared to supply as much oil as India needs. We also discuss LPG supplies, so we are prepared to offer it to the extent to which India is prepared. The obstacles that we have, like the threats of tariffs, secondary sanctions, whatever you know, these obstacles only reveal the detrimental role the US plays as regards our bilateral relations and Europe. So from this point of view, I would put it like you know, we have been a reliable partner, which is a fact, with a consistent approach towards trade with India. The US and Europe, against this backdrop, have shown themselves as utterly unreliable partners.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: What's your view about this ongoing West Asia war? It has a cease fire, but overall, Russian perspective on the war and cease fire as well?Ambassador Denis Alipov: Well, we have gone public with our position. We have condemned the aggression. We regard it as an unprovoked aggression and a violation of international law and aggression against Iran by Israel and the US, which is obviously unacceptable. The ceasefire hopefully will last, but it should lead to a long standing solution. So a ceasefire per se is not enough. The stability in the Middle East will not come if one party would maintain the position that their approach should, should, be regarded as the only correct. Iran should have the right to exist, there should be a coexistence in the Middle East. No one party should regard itself as the only one entitled for security and prosperity. Certainly the security concerns of Israel should be taken into account, but also the position of Iran, the right of Iran for civil nuclear energy in particular should be maintained. So it is a matter for negotiations, the political - diplomatic approach, a peaceful solution is the only one. Hopefully the negotiations that I believe are going on would lead to a long standing solution. This is what we support and what we look forward to. The impact, as is evident, has been global. The energy markets were jeopardized. The region, the Middle East, is crucial for global stability. This is also very much clear to everyone, and Russia is very much concerned with the instability in the Middle East because it directly impacts the national interests of my country. The situation on our southern approaches is very, very crucial to us, Hopefully, hopefully there will be a way out in the contradictions there are now, but the means the US is using, Israel has used certainly are not acceptable. This should have been avoided, and the current developments have been endorsed. Efforts to start the negotiations, to start the peace process. These actions, these efforts, have been, have been supported by Russia.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: But how do you think that this West Asia war will change global geopolitics? Because it looks like there is a rise of multi polarity, and also a sense of the closure of Hormuz. We know that it's under Iranian control now in a major way, but we also know that the Americans have announced their own blockade as well. So overall pictureAmbassador Denis Alipov: The situation in the Gulf,&nbsp; the situation in the Middle East, there is also a Palestinian problem, which has not been resolved now. The situation in the Gulf has deteriorated. Many countries, including India, are dependent on oil supplies from the Gulf countries, and not only India, the whole of Asia. It has a decisive effect on the global energy markets. So we have acknowledged that the world acknowledges this. We believe that a solution to all these issues is necessary and hopefully to be found through negotiations.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: A very old pillar of the relationship has been defence. So overall picture when it comes to defence, and S400, few units left, any time line when they can be delivered?Ambassador Denis Alipov: There are some batches that are yet to be delivered. We have a mutually agreed timetable, schedule for these deliveries. They will be completed very soon, when it comes to S400. We have various plans as regards other types of military equipment and generally, a comprehensive plan in our defence cooperation. And I will not go into the details. The US and the Europeans should know nothing about it. I will be happy to share that with the Indian public. But since we're on air, this is a sensitive area, which we try to keep under wraps.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: Additional one question on how both India and Russia are working together in co-production. I mean, BrahMos is a big example of that, and India is exporting it to Indonesia as well. And I know that the Russians have offered when it comes to fighter SU 57 as well, what and where this proposal is? Has there been any interest from the Indian side onAmbassador Denis Alipov: India has shown interest in the SU S7. Brahmos has been a very successful example. AK 203 manufacturing and licensing to India is also a very prominent example of our mutually beneficial cooperation which is topical to India, which is of great interest to us. We plan to expand on many tracks, but again, I will not go into details.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: There is a target of 100 billion dollars as well on the trade front. How hopeful you are that it will be achieved, given there is a certain time for that.Ambassador Denis Alipov: We’re very optimistic about this target. We think it's realistic to achieve a $100 billion trade target. We have already increased our bilateral trade many fold, yes, through the oil supplies. We see it as a long standing strategic relationship as well. I think there is the same approach from the Indian side. It can become a long standing strategic area. But to avoid the imbalance in the trade, which is huge, and to have a sustainable solution, a sustainable vision, for the increased trade, the increase in Indian exports to Russia should be the area and the point be addressed as a priority. This is something we are addressing now. We have discussed this issue. When the First Deputy PM visited India, it was discussed, when President Putin was in India in December. It is a continuous discussion between us. In December, we also had a substantial dialog between the businesses on this and we are looking forward to continuing this process, to continue in this discussion between the business communities of both countries, so that the Indian exports increase. From household goods to high tech products, machinery, agriculture, food products, there is a substantial demand for those in Russia, and actually the Russian exports, apart from oil. Oil and gas share in Russian GDP is about 15 to 20%, the rest is with various products like digital solutions, like machinery, agriculture, and all this is in demand in both countries. So the mutual exports and imports, apart from oil and gas, should increase, and this is what we are now discussing.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: How much trade in national currencies? And have the payments issued been resolved?&nbsp;Ambassador Denis Alipov: There would have been no issues for us, had it not been for the you know, obstacles created by the US and the Europeans. They constantly do that to threaten the, you know, our bilateral relations, and they maintain that they should have nothing to do with that. That's absolutely not their business. Actually, it only shows that the US and Europe use non-market instruments and methods to influence our bilateral relations. But apart from that, we have generally totally switched to national currencies. 95% of transactions we execute in national currencies as of now, the mechanisms for such transactions are in place and should be utilized to the fullest, and there are various solutions, how to simplify, how to integrate our financial mechanisms more. We are in very substantial discussion on all these issues.&nbsp;Sidhant Sibal: India is the chair of the BRICS grouping. The summit is going to happen in September. President Putin is looking forward to coming to India, if I can sum it up like that. But how does the Russian side plan to support India's public presidency?Ambassador Denis Alipov: We have extended our fullest support to the Indian chair. The priorities have been publicized. We have supported all of them. There are various proposals we have extended to possibly they will also be discussed this year under the Indian chair. But the comprehensive plan there is for various engagements and meetings, high level meetings, ministerial meetings, all this has been supported by us. We are very optimistic about the outcomes and certainly the Indian presidency in BRICS this year is going to be, is going to be successful, by our assessments. We have already started interactions. So we were in very close engagement with India and with other BRICS members on the agenda, on the common agenda we have and the plan India has formulated.

Ambassador Denis Alipov said no one party should regard itself as the only one entitled for security and prosperity. Certainly the security concerns of Israel should be taken into account, but also the position of Iran, the right of its civil nuclear energy should be maintained.

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov has expressed strong optimism about the enduring India-Russia strategic partnership, highlighting expectations of high-level visits and deepened cooperation in energy, defence, and multilateral forums. Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, Alipov stated that Russia expects President Vladimir Putin to visit India for the BRICS Summit in September 2026. “We expect the Russian President to be in India for the BRICS summit in September,” the Ambassador affirmed, underscoring close coordination between the two nations on the platform. India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, themed around resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, is seen as an opportunity to advance discussions on global governance reforms, counter-terrorism, trade, and investment. Alipov also noted that President Putin visited India last year, and Moscow is preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a reciprocal visit to Russia this year. “We are looking forward to welcoming him. Discussions are ongoing for the month,” he said, referring to the established annual summit mechanism that keeps bilateral ties on a steady trajectory. Full interview: Sidhant Sibal: What is your vision about this relationship? Ambassador Denis Alipov: We have a very comprehensive, very special and very privileged strategic partnership between us. Last year, you may remember, we marked the 25 years of this relationship, and it's going from strength to strength. We are very satisfied with the momentum. We have a comprehensive plan in action covering the economic development, the political coordination, the people to people, cultural ties. We have a clear vision for the future, and this relationship has been strategic for both of the countries, a long term strategic vision which has been maintained by the leadership of our countries, endorsed by the people of both our nations. This is a very important relationship for Russia, and we feel and see that the same attitude from India. Last December, President Putin visited India, and we expect the honorable Prime Minister Modi to visit Russia this year. The invitation was extended, and we're looking forward to welcoming him in Russia this year for for the bilateral interaction, bilateral summit, as we have agreed way back into 2000 to have the annual exchanges of such of such visits and summits Sidhant Sibal: Any month are we looking at, sir? Ambassador Denis Alipov: We are in discussion on that. So I'm not in a position to share any dates, we are in discussion. Later this year, in September, there will be the BRICS summit in India, and we expect the Russian president to visit India for that summit. But on the bilateral track, we are looking forward to welcoming the Prime Minister of India in Russia as well. Sidhant Sibal: The first week of this month was very busy. We saw high level visits from Russia. What was the conversation like? The focus being on issues like fertilizers, energy, agriculture, if you can perhaps sum up the key outcomes during that very busy week for India, Russia Ambassador Denis Alipov: All these that you mentioned were discussed. The First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Denis Manturov was in India for the intersession meeting of the co-chairs of our intergovernmental commission, and there was a very substantial dialogue between him and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, who is the co-chair from the Indian side. Fertilizers, cooperation in various sectors of manufacturing and industries, culture, agriculture, the strategic plans, the tactical plans for this year, we've had a very comprehensive discussion on all these aspects, and we are very optimistic about the prospects in the future and the ongoing cooperation on various tracks and various domains. Sidhant Sibal: Energy cooperation has become one of the key pillars of the relationship. Today, India has been importing Russian energy. What is the status like currently, how much India has imported the Russian energy, especially in past one month, in the backdrop of the West Asia war Ambassador Denis Alipov: I think the statistics have become available now. Later on, we will probably have a more detailed picture. As of now, from what I saw, there is a substantial increase of supplies. But I would like to stress that we have been very consistent in our position and commitment. We have always maintained that we are prepared to supply oil to India irrespective of geopolitical developments. This is our consistent approach. Basically, we are prepared to supply as much oil as India needs. We also discuss LPG supplies, so we are prepared to offer it to the extent to which India is prepared. The obstacles that we have, like the threats of tariffs, secondary sanctions, whatever you know, these obstacles only reveal the detrimental role the US plays as regards our bilateral relations and Europe. So from this point of view, I would put it like you know, we have been a reliable partner, which is a fact, with a consistent approach towards trade with India. The US and Europe, against this backdrop, have shown themselves as utterly unreliable partners. Sidhant Sibal: What's your view about this ongoing West Asia war? It has a cease fire, but overall, Russian perspective on the war and cease fire as well? Ambassador Denis Alipov: Well, we have gone public with our position. We have condemned the aggression. We regard it as an unprovoked aggression and a violation of international law and aggression against Iran by Israel and the US, which is obviously unacceptable. The ceasefire hopefully will last, but it should lead to a long standing solution. So a ceasefire per se is not enough. The stability in the Middle East will not come if one party would maintain the position that their approach should, should, be regarded as the only correct. Iran should have the right to exist, there should be a coexistence in the Middle East. No one party should regard itself as the only one entitled for security and prosperity. Certainly the security concerns of Israel should be taken into account, but also the position of Iran, the right of Iran for civil nuclear energy in particular should be maintained. So it is a matter for negotiations, the political - diplomatic approach, a peaceful solution is the only one. Hopefully the negotiations that I believe are going on would lead to a long standing solution. This is what we support and what we look forward to. The impact, as is evident, has been global. The energy markets were jeopardized. The region, the Middle East, is crucial for global stability. This is also very much clear to everyone, and Russia is very much concerned with the instability in the Middle East because it directly impacts the national interests of my country. The situation on our southern approaches is very, very crucial to us, Hopefully, hopefully there will be a way out in the contradictions there are now, but the means the US is using, Israel has used certainly are not acceptable. This should have been avoided, and the current developments have been endorsed. Efforts to start the negotiations, to start the peace process. These actions, these efforts, have been, have been supported by Russia. Sidhant Sibal: But how do you think that this West Asia war will change global geopolitics? Because it looks like there is a rise of multi polarity, and also a sense of the closure of Hormuz. We know that it's under Iranian control now in a major way, but we also know that the Americans have announced their own blockade as well. So overall picture Ambassador Denis Alipov: The situation in the Gulf, the situation in the Middle East, there is also a Palestinian problem, which has not been resolved now. The situation in the Gulf has deteriorated. Many countries, including India, are dependent on oil supplies from the Gulf countries, and not only India, the whole of Asia. It has a decisive effect on the global energy markets. So we have acknowledged that the world acknowledges this. We believe that a solution to all these issues is necessary and hopefully to be found through negotiations. Sidhant Sibal: A very old pillar of the relationship has been defence. So overall picture when it comes to defence, and S400, few units left, any time line when they can be delivered? Ambassador Denis Alipov: There are some batches that are yet to be delivered. We have a mutually agreed timetable, schedule for these deliveries. They will be completed very soon, when it comes to S400. We have various plans as regards other types of military equipment and generally, a comprehensive plan in our defence cooperation. And I will not go into the details. The US and the Europeans should know nothing about it. I will be happy to share that with the Indian public. But since we're on air, this is a sensitive area, which we try to keep under wraps. Sidhant Sibal: Additional one question on how both India and Russia are working together in co-production. I mean, BrahMos is a big example of that, and India is exporting it to Indonesia as well. And I know that the Russians have offered when it comes to fighter SU 57 as well, what and where this proposal is? Has there been any interest from the Indian side on Ambassador Denis Alipov: India has shown interest in the SU S7. Brahmos has been a very successful example. AK 203 manufacturing and licensing to India is also a very prominent example of our mutually beneficial cooperation which is topical to India, which is of great interest to us. We plan to expand on many tracks, but again, I will not go into details. Sidhant Sibal: There is a target of 100 billion dollars as well on the trade front. How hopeful you are that it will be achieved, given there is a certain time for that. Ambassador Denis Alipov: We’re very optimistic about this target. We think it's realistic to achieve a $100 billion trade target. We have already increased our bilateral trade many fold, yes, through the oil supplies. We see it as a long standing strategic relationship as well. I think there is the same approach from the Indian side. It can become a long standing strategic area. But to avoid the imbalance in the trade, which is huge, and to have a sustainable solution, a sustainable vision, for the increased trade, the increase in Indian exports to Russia should be the area and the point be addressed as a priority. This is something we are addressing now. We have discussed this issue. When the First Deputy PM visited India, it was discussed, when President Putin was in India in December. It is a continuous discussion between us. In December, we also had a substantial dialog between the businesses on this and we are looking forward to continuing this process, to continue in this discussion between the business communities of both countries, so that the Indian exports increase. From household goods to high tech products, machinery, agriculture, food products, there is a substantial demand for those in Russia, and actually the Russian exports, apart from oil. Oil and gas share in Russian GDP is about 15 to 20%, the rest is with various products like digital solutions, like machinery, agriculture, and all this is in demand in both countries. So the mutual exports and imports, apart from oil and gas, should increase, and this is what we are now discussing. Sidhant Sibal: How much trade in national currencies? And have the payments issued been resolved? Ambassador Denis Alipov: There would have been no issues for us, had it not been for the you know, obstacles created by the US and the Europeans. They constantly do that to threaten the, you know, our bilateral relations, and they maintain that they should have nothing to do with that. That's absolutely not their business. Actually, it only shows that the US and Europe use non-market instruments and methods to influence our bilateral relations. But apart from that, we have generally totally switched to national currencies. 95% of transactions we execute in national currencies as of now, the mechanisms for such transactions are in place and should be utilized to the fullest, and there are various solutions, how to simplify, how to integrate our financial mechanisms more. We are in very substantial discussion on all these issues. Sidhant Sibal: India is the chair of the BRICS grouping. The summit is going to happen in September. President Putin is looking forward to coming to India, if I can sum it up like that. But how does the Russian side plan to support India's public presidency? Ambassador Denis Alipov: We have extended our fullest support to the Indian chair. The priorities have been publicized. We have supported all of them. There are various proposals we have extended to possibly they will also be discussed this year under the Indian chair. But the comprehensive plan there is for various engagements and meetings, high level meetings, ministerial meetings, all this has been supported by us. We are very optimistic about the outcomes and certainly the Indian presidency in BRICS this year is going to be, is going to be successful, by our assessments. We have already started interactions. So we were in very close engagement with India and with other BRICS members on the agenda, on the common agenda we have and the plan India has formulated.

Ambassador Denis Alipov said no one party should regard itself as the only one entitled for security and prosperity. Certainly the security concerns of Israel should be taken into account, but also the position of Iran, the right of its civil nuclear energy should be maintained.

Russia ready to supply ‘as much energy as India wants’: Ambassador Denis Alipov

As India prepares to host the BRICS summit later this year, amid rumours of a “BRICS currency” to replace the US dollar, the focus is expected to be on a shared payment system that links national digital currencies. Here's all you need to know about a BRICS payment system.<h2>Not a currency, but a system</h2>Previously, reports suggested the possible launch of a single BRICS currency that could potentially replace the US dollar. However, the proposals for a common currency ran into obvious problems: different inflation regimes, capital controls, and fears that China’s yuan would dominate any shared system. However, this new approach, a BRICS payment system built on interoperable central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), could avoid all of that.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-safe-is-the-rupee-from-trump-s-tantrums-economic-survey-2025-26-reveals-risks-1769676289934">How safe is the rupee from Trump's tantrums? Economic Survey 2026 reveals risks</a><h2>BRICS digital currency platform</h2>According to Asia Times, the idea is to connect existing central bank digital currencies, such as India’s digital rupee, China’s digital yuan and Russia’s digital ruble, through a common payment infrastructure. Each country keeps full control over its own currency. What changes is how these currencies interact.In simple terms, it would allow countries to settle trade directly in their own digital currencies, without routing payments through correspondent banks or the dollar-based SWIFT network.<h2>Why India matters</h2>India is playing a central role in shaping this direction. Summit host New Delhi has consistently pushed for interoperability rather than monetary integration, a philosophy shaped by its own digital payments success at home through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The emphasis is on building systems that talk to each other while preserving sovereignty.The Reserve Bank of India has been clear that the digital rupee is not a crypto asset and not a step toward a currency union. It is simply a digital version of sovereign money.There is also a practical lesson behind this stance. Earlier trade settlements with Russia left Moscow holding large amounts of rupees it could not easily spend, the so-called “rupee trap”. A multilateral system, rather than bilateral deals, helps prevent currencies from piling up uselessly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/economic-survey-2025-26-tabled-in-lok-sabha-india-needs-8-growth-to-achieve-viksit-bharat-dream-by-2047-what-it-says-about-india-s-growth-outlook-1769670492894">Economic Survey 2025–26: India needs 8% growth to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047</a><h2>How the system would actually work</h2>The proposed BRICS payment system rests on two technical ideas: settlement cycles and forex swap lines. Settlement cycles mean countries do not settle every transaction instantly. Instead, trade flows are netted out over a period. Only the final difference is transferred.For example, if China imports 500 billion rupees worth of goods from India in a month and exports 450 billion, only the net 50 billion needs to be settled. That massively reduces liquidity needs and transaction costs.Forex swap lines, meanwhile, act as a safety valve. If one country suddenly needs more of another’s currency to settle its balance, central banks can temporarily swap currencies to smooth things over.This is not about killing the dollarNone of this replaces the dollar. The dollar still dominates global finance, making up around 59 per cent of global reserves and about 58 per cent of international payments. But there is growing anxiety about how fragile that system has become.US national debt is nearing 39 trillion dollars. Global debt stands at around $315 trillion, 64 per cent of which is denominated in dollars. That means the entire world is exposed to US monetary policy and US political stability.The risk is circular. If global demand for dollar assets weakens, US borrowing costs rise. That tightens financial conditions everywhere and can trigger cascading crises.<h2>Why do countries want a backup</h2>This is where geopolitics enters. The concerns about the dollar partly stem from Russia’s exclusion from SWIFT and the freezing of 300 billion dollars. While Iran, North Korea and Cuba have also faced similar measures before, Russia proved that even major economies are not immune.With financial infrastructure emerging as a strategic weapon, the BRICS digital payment system could act as a shock absorber. A parallel system that keeps trade functioning if the main one breaks down.<h2>When will the BRICS payment system be launched?</h2>The BRICS payment system will take some time to come into practice as most CBDCs are still in pilot stages. Legal frameworks and technical standards also vary wildly among the BRICS countries.The likely path is gradual - starting with bilateral links, then stitching them into a network. India, meanwhile, already offers a model. Its UPI is already interoperable with the UAE’s payment system, enabling fast cross-border transfers. Brazil’s PIX and China’s digital infrastructure could follow. Over time, this could evolve into a shared BRICS payment layer. &nbsp;

As talk of a “BRICS currency” grows, the bloc actually seems to be moving in a very different direction. Instead of one shared currency, BRICS is working on a digital payment system that links national digital currencies like India’s e-rupee, China’s e-yuan and Russia’s e-ruble. WION Explains

As India prepares to host the BRICS summit later this year, amid rumours of a “BRICS currency” to replace the US dollar, the focus is expected to be on a shared payment system that links national digital currencies. Here's all you need to know about a BRICS payment system. Not a currency, but a system Previously, reports suggested the possible launch of a single BRICS currency that could potentially replace the US dollar. However, the proposals for a common currency ran into obvious problems: different inflation regimes, capital controls, and fears that China’s yuan would dominate any shared system. However, this new approach, a BRICS payment system built on interoperable central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), could avoid all of that. Also read | How safe is the rupee from Trump's tantrums? Economic Survey 2026 reveals risks BRICS digital currency platform According to Asia Times, the idea is to connect existing central bank digital currencies, such as India’s digital rupee, China’s digital yuan and Russia’s digital ruble, through a common payment infrastructure. Each country keeps full control over its own currency. What changes is how these currencies interact. In simple terms, it would allow countries to settle trade directly in their own digital currencies, without routing payments through correspondent banks or the dollar-based SWIFT network. Why India matters India is playing a central role in shaping this direction. Summit host New Delhi has consistently pushed for interoperability rather than monetary integration, a philosophy shaped by its own digital payments success at home through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The emphasis is on building systems that talk to each other while preserving sovereignty. The Reserve Bank of India has been clear that the digital rupee is not a crypto asset and not a step toward a currency union. It is simply a digital version of sovereign money. There is also a practical lesson behind this stance. Earlier trade settlements with Russia left Moscow holding large amounts of rupees it could not easily spend, the so-called “rupee trap”. A multilateral system, rather than bilateral deals, helps prevent currencies from piling up uselessly. Also read | Economic Survey 2025–26: India needs 8% growth to become ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 How the system would actually work The proposed BRICS payment system rests on two technical ideas: settlement cycles and forex swap lines. Settlement cycles mean countries do not settle every transaction instantly. Instead, trade flows are netted out over a period. Only the final difference is transferred. For example, if China imports 500 billion rupees worth of goods from India in a month and exports 450 billion, only the net 50 billion needs to be settled. That massively reduces liquidity needs and transaction costs. Forex swap lines, meanwhile, act as a safety valve. If one country suddenly needs more of another’s currency to settle its balance, central banks can temporarily swap currencies to smooth things over. This is not about killing the dollar None of this replaces the dollar. The dollar still dominates global finance, making up around 59 per cent of global reserves and about 58 per cent of international payments. But there is growing anxiety about how fragile that system has become. US national debt is nearing 39 trillion dollars. Global debt stands at around $315 trillion, 64 per cent of which is denominated in dollars. That means the entire world is exposed to US monetary policy and US political stability. The risk is circular. If global demand for dollar assets weakens, US borrowing costs rise. That tightens financial conditions everywhere and can trigger cascading crises. Why do countries want a backup This is where geopolitics enters. The concerns about the dollar partly stem from Russia’s exclusion from SWIFT and the freezing of 300 billion dollars. While Iran, North Korea and Cuba have also faced similar measures before, Russia proved that even major economies are not immune. With financial infrastructure emerging as a strategic weapon, the BRICS digital payment system could act as a shock absorber. A parallel system that keeps trade functioning if the main one breaks down. When will the BRICS payment system be launched? The BRICS payment system will take some time to come into practice as most CBDCs are still in pilot stages. Legal frameworks and technical standards also vary wildly among the BRICS countries. The likely path is gradual - starting with bilateral links, then stitching them into a network. India, meanwhile, already offers a model. Its UPI is already interoperable with the UAE’s payment system, enabling fast cross-border transfers. Brazil’s PIX and China’s digital infrastructure could follow. Over time, this could evolve into a shared BRICS payment layer.

As talk of a “BRICS currency” grows, the bloc actually seems to be moving in a very different direction. Instead of one shared currency, BRICS is working on a digital payment system that links national digital currencies like India’s e-rupee, China’s e-yuan and Russia’s e-ruble. WION Explains

India takes lead as BRICS eyes digital payment system to bypass dollar. All about the BRICS payment system - Explained

Reserve Bank of India has recommended to the Indian government a proposal linking BRICS central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could change the payment infrastructure, by making them faster, cheaper and more efficient while reducing reliance on dollar centric structure like SWIFT. &nbsp;The apex bank has urged the government to include it in its BRICS agenda.&nbsp;The move would further agitate the United States which is already facing a dollar which is in decline.&nbsp;RBI has built on the promises of the BRICS 2025, which called for interoperability between national payment systems to make cross border transaction more efficient. It has, however, maintained that its motive is not de-dollarisation. All the BRICS economies are working on the current digital payment systems. However, most of them are in pilot phases. The Indian e-Rupee, released in 2022, has around 7 million retail users. China is also planning to boost the use of digital yuan. US President Donald Trump has previously said the BRICS alliance is “anti-American” and he threatened to impose tariffs on its members.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-greenland-standoff-american-empire-decline-1768890078760">Why US Greenland standoff signals US imperial overreach?</a><h2>How could it impact developing economies?</h2>The developing economies pay 6-7 per cent of each transaction in cross-border payments. The majority of these, because of the intermediary "middleman" fees, each transaction could cost upto $15 to $50. It also relies on legacy payment methods from the 1970s, like standard SWIFT messaging, which uses batch processing rather than real-time settlement. A new payment method based on blockchain could potentially allow real-time payment and further reduce the cost of the middleman. BRICS countries could facilitate trade settlements in local currencies. However, it does not immediately reduce reliance on dollar-based payment infrastructure. &nbsp;For it to be succesful elements like interoperable technology, governance rules, and ways to settle imbalanced trade volumes would have to be discussed and agreed upon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

RBI has proposed linking BRICS digital currencies to cut cross-border payment costs and boost efficiency. Here’s how it could impact developing economies.

Reserve Bank of India has recommended to the Indian government a proposal linking BRICS central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which could change the payment infrastructure, by making them faster, cheaper and more efficient while reducing reliance on dollar centric structure like SWIFT. The apex bank has urged the government to include it in its BRICS agenda. The move would further agitate the United States which is already facing a dollar which is in decline. RBI has built on the promises of the BRICS 2025, which called for interoperability between national payment systems to make cross border transaction more efficient. It has, however, maintained that its motive is not de-dollarisation. All the BRICS economies are working on the current digital payment systems. However, most of them are in pilot phases. The Indian e-Rupee, released in 2022, has around 7 million retail users. China is also planning to boost the use of digital yuan. US President Donald Trump has previously said the BRICS alliance is “anti-American” and he threatened to impose tariffs on its members. Also Read: Why US Greenland standoff signals US imperial overreach? How could it impact developing economies? The developing economies pay 6-7 per cent of each transaction in cross-border payments. The majority of these, because of the intermediary "middleman" fees, each transaction could cost upto $15 to $50. It also relies on legacy payment methods from the 1970s, like standard SWIFT messaging, which uses batch processing rather than real-time settlement. A new payment method based on blockchain could potentially allow real-time payment and further reduce the cost of the middleman. BRICS countries could facilitate trade settlements in local currencies. However, it does not immediately reduce reliance on dollar-based payment infrastructure. For it to be succesful elements like interoperable technology, governance rules, and ways to settle imbalanced trade volumes would have to be discussed and agreed upon.

RBI has proposed linking BRICS digital currencies to cut cross-border payment costs and boost efficiency. Here’s how it could impact developing economies.

How linking BRICS digital currencies could change global payments?

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