The New Development Bank, established by BRICS nations, aims to direct 40% of its total approved financing toward climate change mitigation and adaptation projects under its 2022–2026 strategy. The target reflects the bank’s focus on sustainable development and climate finance across emerging economies.

BRICS summit 2026: Can BRICS build a stronger global finance system?

Russia says BRICS member states could help bridge diplomatic differences between Iran and the UAE ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Moscow is hopeful that the grouping can help build consensus despite tensions between the two members.

BRICS summit 2026: Russia confident BRICS can overcome Iran-UAE rift 

BRICS is pushing local-currency lending for a reason — currency risk has become one of the biggest barriers to climate finance in developing economies. Dilma Rousseff's New Development Bank now lends around 25-30% in local currencies, with 40% of its financing directed toward climate mitigation and adaptation by 2026, outpacing even the World Bank's adaptation share.


BRICS Summit 2026: Can BRICS turn climate pledges into action?

India is all set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 on Sep 12-13 and if not anyone else, US President Donald Trump is definitely watching. As leaders disucss the current world situation, with specific focus on economy amid the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruption and tariff war, Trump is keeping a close watch as all of the above relates to him. Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over its efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, used his tariff threat against member nations and termed the bloc as “anti-American.” With BRICS Summit in India, all eyes are set at its outcome and how US will react.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-university-students-expose-grim-reality-of-pgs-alumni-bats-for-hostel-ground-report-1788922473528"> 'High rent, no light': DU students expose grim reality of Delhi PGs; alumni bat for hostel</a><h2>100% tariffs over de-dollarisation</h2>After winning the US elections for the second time in 2024, Trump demanded that BRICS member countries commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that would replace the US dollar or face 100% tariffs. "We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. "They can go find another 'sucker'. There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-building-collapse-abvp-warns-pg-owners-nsui-alleges-death-toll-cover-up-as-govt-orders-audit-of-pg-hubs-1788836602313">Delhi building collapse: ABVP warns PG owners, NSUI alleges death toll cover-up as govt orders audit of PG hubs</a><h2>‘Attack on the dollar’</h2>In Oct 2025, Trump said that BRICS' de-dollarisation push as an “attack on the dollar.” He has also claimed that BRICS was created to weaken the US currency and argued that losing the dollar's global reserve status would be a major blow to American economic power. He also warned of tariffs. “I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that's fine, but we're going to put tariffs on your nation,” he said to reporters in Oval Office.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, &quot;...I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that&#39;s fine, but we&#39;re going to put tariffs on your nation. Everybody dropped out. They&#39;re all dropping out of BRICS. BRICS was an attack on the dollar and I said, you want to play that game,… <a href="https://t.co/nzjvI8CRzG">pic.twitter.com/nzjvI8CRzG</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/1978218090463961513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Additional tariffs over ‘anti-American’ policies</h2>Trump expanded his criticism beyond the currency issue. In July 2025, Trump said that countries aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of BRICS, will be charged an additional 10% tariff. "Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social. The threat was aimed at countries that he believed were aligning themselves with BRICS initiatives that challenged US economic interests, however he did not clarify.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260909/image-1788940385057.png"><h2>Trump claims BRICS is ‘fading out’</h2>In July 2025, Trump claimed that tariff threats have weakened the bloc. He has described BRICS as a "little group" that is "fading out fast", and claimed that member countries backed away from de-dollarisation after he threatened to restrict their access to the US market. Trump has also said that BRICS members had effectively "dropped out" because of his tariff threats. “There is a little group called Brics, and it is fading out fast. But the BRICS tried and wanted to take over the dollar and the dominance of the dollar and the standard of the dollar. I said that anybody in the BRICS consortium of nations, we are going to tariff you 10 per cent, and they had a meeting the following day. Almost nobody showed up,” the Potus said while talking about how he approaches global economic rivals. “When I heard about this group of six countries in Brics, I hit them very hard, and if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," he added. Without taking names of any particular country, Trump said: “We can never let anyone play games with us.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, &quot;... This (The Genius Act) is really strengthening the US Dollar and giving the Dollar a great prominence. There is a little group called BRICS, and it is fading out fast. But BRICS tried and wanted to take over the Dollar and the… <a href="https://t.co/wG6GEe8OOs">pic.twitter.com/wG6GEe8OOs</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/1946294504837001358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over de-dollarisation, threatening 100% tariffs on countries seeking to replace the US dollar and an additional 10% levy over alleged anti-American policies. Trump has also mocked the bloc as fading and claimed his pressure weakened it.

India is all set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 on Sep 12-13 and if not anyone else, US President Donald Trump is definitely watching. As leaders disucss the current world situation, with specific focus on economy amid the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruption and tariff war, Trump is keeping a close watch as all of the above relates to him. Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over its efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar, used his tariff threat against member nations and termed the bloc as “anti-American.” With BRICS Summit in India, all eyes are set at its outcome and how US will react. Also Read: 'High rent, no light': DU students expose grim reality of Delhi PGs; alumni bat for hostel 100% tariffs over de-dollarisation After winning the US elections for the second time in 2024, Trump demanded that BRICS member countries commit to not creating a new currency or supporting another currency that would replace the US dollar or face 100% tariffs. "We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. "They can go find another 'sucker'. There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the U.S. Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America," he added. Also Read: Delhi building collapse: ABVP warns PG owners, NSUI alleges death toll cover-up as govt orders audit of PG hubs ‘Attack on the dollar’ In Oct 2025, Trump said that BRICS' de-dollarisation push as an “attack on the dollar.” He has also claimed that BRICS was created to weaken the US currency and argued that losing the dollar's global reserve status would be a major blow to American economic power. He also warned of tariffs. “I told anybody who wants to be in BRICS, that's fine, but we're going to put tariffs on your nation,” he said to reporters in Oval Office.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted BRICS over de-dollarisation, threatening 100% tariffs on countries seeking to replace the US dollar and an additional 10% levy over alleged anti-American policies. Trump has also mocked the bloc as fading and claimed his pressure weakened it.

Trump vs BRICS: From 100% tariff threat to 'little group fading out', what US president said | RECAP

As India prepares to host the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, key parts of Delhi-NCR are taking on a vibrant festive look. Roads, public spaces and important landmarks are being decorated and illuminated, creating a grand atmosphere ahead of the high-profile international gathering.


BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi traffic police work to ensure smooth transit for foreign delegates

Modi-Xi total recall: See the photo journey from the 2019 Mamallapuram summit to Galwan, years of India-China tensions and the 2026 diplomatic thaw

From the warmth of Modi-Xi’s 2019 Mamallapuram summit to Galwan, years of distance and the 2026 diplomatic thaw, see their relationship in pictures

BRICS Summit 2026 | Modi and Xi: The photos that tell the story of India-China ties

Delhi has been given a festive look for the BRICS Summit 2026, with posters and lights adorning key parts of the national capital. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, with member nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - attending. The city has been dressed in the colours of the Indian national flag for the summit. Several heads of state, foreign delegates, heads of international organisations, and key dignitaries will be visiting the capital.&nbsp;In view of the event, security has been tightened in the capital. Delhi Traffic Police issued a comprehensive plan and advisories. Additional CP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta confirmed that extensive security and mobility protocols are being implemented to ensure smooth transit for foreign delegates while minimising public inconvenience. Traffic police are conducting carcade rehearsals on the identified routes and have been informed about the arrangements.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-brics-flex-its-collective-clout-at-florida-g20-act-as-bloc-within-a-bloc-1788897945720">Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?</a><h2>Diversions in Delhi</h2>"They will stay in nine hotels. So, the routes from there to Bharat Mandapam have been identified. We are doing carcade rehearsals on the routes. Proper briefing is given to our staff," the ACP said. Informing about traffic movement and arrangements, he said a total of 22 diversions are in place, and alternate routes have been set up. “We have made 22 diversion points from which we will divert. We will guide the public to take alternative routes,” he said.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 | The Verdict</a>&nbsp;The police are keeping people updated on the traffic situation as the days of the event approach. A few selected routes will remain restricted. This includes routes surrounding Bharat Mandapam, including Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg.<h2>Traffic restrictions in Delhi</h2>&nbsp;The police have identified more than 35 roads where traffic will be controlled or diverted. Traffic will be halted in these areas during VIP movement, which would mostly be in central, south and adjoining parts of Delhi. Police officials say the restriction in movement is being done keeping in mind the smooth movement of foreign leaders and delegations while causing minimal inconvenience to the public. However, the advisory states commuters should turn to public transport, especially Delhi Metro.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed<h2>Holiday for BRICS Summit</h2> Besides traffic diversions and restrictions, authorities have also announced an official public holiday for schools and government offices on September 11.<h2>Beautification of Delhi</h2> Delhi is also being spruced up for the BRICS Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council is undertaking streetscape improvement works across major areas of the capital. Roads are being repaired, and kerbs are being cleaned and refreshed. This also includes clearly marked zebra crossings, upgraded footpaths, thematic paintings and improvements to public spaces. The idea is to improve the overall appearance and infrastructure of Delhi.

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi will host the three-day event from September 11 to 13. The city has been spruced up for the event. Security has been tightened in several areas, with several restrictions on traffic movement being placed. What you need to know.   

Delhi has been given a festive look for the BRICS Summit 2026, with posters and lights adorning key parts of the national capital. The event will be held at Bharat Mandapam from September 11 to 13, with member nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - attending. The city has been dressed in the colours of the Indian national flag for the summit. Several heads of state, foreign delegates, heads of international organisations, and key dignitaries will be visiting the capital. In view of the event, security has been tightened in the capital. Delhi Traffic Police issued a comprehensive plan and advisories. Additional CP (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta confirmed that extensive security and mobility protocols are being implemented to ensure smooth transit for foreign delegates while minimising public inconvenience. Traffic police are conducting carcade rehearsals on the identified routes and have been informed about the arrangements. Also Read: Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout? Diversions in Delhi "They will stay in nine hotels. So, the routes from there to Bharat Mandapam have been identified. We are doing carcade rehearsals on the routes. Proper briefing is given to our staff," the ACP said. Informing about traffic movement and arrangements, he said a total of 22 diversions are in place, and alternate routes have been set up. “We have made 22 diversion points from which we will divert. We will guide the public to take alternative routes,” he said. Also Read: BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power | The Verdict The police are keeping people updated on the traffic situation as the days of the event approach. A few selected routes will remain restricted. This includes routes surrounding Bharat Mandapam, including Mathura Road and Bhairon Marg. Traffic restrictions in Delhi The police have identified more than 35 roads where traffic will be controlled or diverted. Traffic will be halted in these areas during VIP movement, which would mostly be in central, south and adjoining parts of Delhi. Police officials say the restriction in movement is being done keeping in mind the smooth movement of foreign leaders and delegations while causing minimal inconvenience to the public. However, the advisory states commuters should turn to public transport, especially Delhi Metro. https://www.wionews.com/videos/role-of-brics-in-re-balancing-global-order-can-it-expand-scope-of-cooperation-1788883516936/embed Holiday for BRICS Summit Besides traffic diversions and restrictions, authorities have also announced an official public holiday for schools and government offices on September 11. Beautification of Delhi Delhi is also being spruced up for the BRICS Summit. The New Delhi Municipal Council is undertaking streetscape improvement works across major areas of the capital. Roads are being repaired, and kerbs are being cleaned and refreshed. This also includes clearly marked zebra crossings, upgraded footpaths, thematic paintings and improvements to public spaces. The idea is to improve the overall appearance and infrastructure of Delhi.

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi will host the three-day event from September 11 to 13. The city has been spruced up for the event. Security has been tightened in several areas, with several restrictions on traffic movement being placed. What you need to know. &nbsp;&nbsp;

BRICS Summit 2026: Traffic restrictions, advisories, holidays and other preparations

The rapid growth of BRICS has turned the grouping of nations into an increasingly influential alternative voice within the global order. BRICS has evolved considerably since its original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it now brings together 11 countries after including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Besides, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025, further increasing the grouping’s clout as it commands a substantial share of the world’s population and economic activity.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is notable that all five original BRICS members are also members of the G20. This gives BRICS members the ability to promote their priorities inside the G20 while coordinating separately among themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>BRICS nations demand greater influence for developing countries in financial institutions</h2>&nbsp;BRICS members demand greater influence for developing countries in institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, while also supporting reforms of global governance.&nbsp;BRICS countries can coordinate on issues where their interests overlap, like reform of global financial institutions, greater representation for emerging economies, development finance, trade and the use of national currencies.&nbsp;As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.&nbsp;<h2>G20 struggling to maintain consensus</h2>&nbsp;The probability of such a situation gains importance as the G20 itself is struggling to maintain consensus. The United States, which holds the 2026 G20 presidency, has placed economic growth, trade imbalances and other “America First” priorities high on the agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a recent G20 finance ministers’ meeting in North Carolina, China objected to language on non-market policies and global trade imbalances and prevented a joint communiqué. As a result, the US issued a chair’s statement.&nbsp;China obstructed consensus on language concerning “non-market policies” aimed at addressing global trade imbalances. While 19 G20 members, including the US, EU, Japan, and India, agreed on the need to eliminate such practices, China opposed wording that targeted its economic strategies, thereby blocking a joint communiqué.However, China and Russia may see the G20 as an opportunity to challenge what they regard as an overly Western-dominated global economic order.&nbsp;&nbsp;The G20 continues to possess a major institutional advantage: it brings together the world's largest economies from both the developed and developing worlds.&nbsp;&nbsp;BRICS may evolve into a powerful negotiating bloc within the broader global system of G20, giving emerging economies greater leverage.&nbsp;If BRICS succeeds, the G20 may have to negotiate not simply with individual emerging powers, but with a more organised Global South coalition.

As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.

The rapid growth of BRICS has turned the grouping of nations into an increasingly influential alternative voice within the global order. BRICS has evolved considerably since its original grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and it now brings together 11 countries after including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Besides, Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam joined BRICS as partner countries in 2025, further increasing the grouping’s clout as it commands a substantial share of the world’s population and economic activity. It is notable that all five original BRICS members are also members of the G20. This gives BRICS members the ability to promote their priorities inside the G20 while coordinating separately among themselves. BRICS nations demand greater influence for developing countries in financial institutions BRICS members demand greater influence for developing countries in institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, while also supporting reforms of global governance. BRICS countries can coordinate on issues where their interests overlap, like reform of global financial institutions, greater representation for emerging economies, development finance, trade and the use of national currencies. As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice. G20 struggling to maintain consensus The probability of such a situation gains importance as the G20 itself is struggling to maintain consensus. The United States, which holds the 2026 G20 presidency, has placed economic growth, trade imbalances and other “America First” priorities high on the agenda. At a recent G20 finance ministers’ meeting in North Carolina, China objected to language on non-market policies and global trade imbalances and prevented a joint communiqué. As a result, the US issued a chair’s statement. China obstructed consensus on language concerning “non-market policies” aimed at addressing global trade imbalances. While 19 G20 members, including the US, EU, Japan, and India, agreed on the need to eliminate such practices, China opposed wording that targeted its economic strategies, thereby blocking a joint communiqué. However, China and Russia may see the G20 as an opportunity to challenge what they regard as an overly Western-dominated global economic order. The G20 continues to possess a major institutional advantage: it brings together the world's largest economies from both the developed and developing worlds. BRICS may evolve into a powerful negotiating bloc within the broader global system of G20, giving emerging economies greater leverage. If BRICS succeeds, the G20 may have to negotiate not simply with individual emerging powers, but with a more organised Global South coalition.

As BRICS gathers momentum and bargaining power, one question is increasingly becoming significant. Diplomats and strategists are now analysing whether BRICS can emerge as an effective “bloc within a bloc” in the G20 Leaders Summit and present a distinct collective voice.

Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?

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

Over the last decade, five countries have been quietly building over $40 billion alternative to the World Bank and the IMF-dominated global financial system: the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank. The amount is modest when compared to the Bretton Woods Twins, but it's a project aimed at dismantling 80 years of financial control, creating a parallel system without replacing it.&nbsp;There is huge asymmetry in place; by the end of 2025, the National Development Bank has approved roughly $42.9 billion. The World Bank approves roughly $100 billion in every fiscal year. The New Development Bank has an authorised capital base of $100 billion. The World Bank has an authorised capital base of roughly $327 billion, while the IMF has a $646 billion quota base. Combined, the Bretton Woods System has roughly $1 trillion in capital base.But there are positive signs too; the New Development Bank has been around for just over a decade, and the Bretton Woods System has been there since the aftermath of the Second World War. It has grown from five founding members to eleven members. It has sanctioned development projects such as in India, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut original rapid transit system; in China, an offshore wind power plant which generated over 1 billion kWh of carbon-free electricity in the first year; in Brazil, Pernambuco state expanded water supply and sanitation services, which benefits roughly $2 million people; and in South Africa, they are modernising the Durban port, a gateway to the African continent. It is more democratised, where every nation has an equal vote, despite China being a bigger economy and Brazil being comparatively smaller. Unlike the World Bank and IMF, where the US holds veto power with over 16 per cent of total voting rights. It does not seek harsh austerity measures, nor does it require structural and political change in exchange for loans to nations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zohran-mamdani-170000-9-11-records-toxic-air-1788882722776">Zohran Mamdani releases 170,000 pages of 9/11 records, says officials misled New Yorkers over toxic air</a><h2>Can it help the Global South out of Western hegemony?</h2>Structurally, the New Development Bank is an extension of the same capitalist financial architecture that fuels the Bretton Woods System. It's not a radical break from the Western Hegemony; it is an extension of it. It is merely a scaled-up and pooled version of domestic development banks, copying the exact financial blueprint of the World Bank.But the real problem is that it is still dependent on dollar-based assets; it seeks finance from Wall Street and international capital markets for the majority of its bond issuances. Its credit rating is associated with Western credit agencies like Flich and S&amp;P. This is one of the reasons the bank had to freeze one of its founding members, Russia, following the Western sanctions in 2022 to maintain its credit rating of AA+.&nbsp;Under the leadership of President Dilma Rousseff, the NDB has grown its local currency lending portfolio to approximately 25 per cent and plans to achieve the 30 per cent mark by 2026. It actively issues bonds and uses local-currency financing such as the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, and South African Rand to protect from US monetary policy shocks and exchange rate volatility. The position is somewhere between hegemony and autonomy. &nbsp;It is not breaking free but trying to build a more inclusive pipeline inside the existing global financial grid.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The New Development Bank, or BRICS Bank, has emerged as an alternative development finance institution, expanding local-currency lending while seeking to reduce dependence on the Western-dominated financial system.

Over the last decade, five countries have been quietly building over $40 billion alternative to the World Bank and the IMF-dominated global financial system: the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank. The amount is modest when compared to the Bretton Woods Twins, but it's a project aimed at dismantling 80 years of financial control, creating a parallel system without replacing it. There is huge asymmetry in place; by the end of 2025, the National Development Bank has approved roughly $42.9 billion. The World Bank approves roughly $100 billion in every fiscal year. The New Development Bank has an authorised capital base of $100 billion. The World Bank has an authorised capital base of roughly $327 billion, while the IMF has a $646 billion quota base. Combined, the Bretton Woods System has roughly $1 trillion in capital base. But there are positive signs too; the New Development Bank has been around for just over a decade, and the Bretton Woods System has been there since the aftermath of the Second World War. It has grown from five founding members to eleven members. It has sanctioned development projects such as in India, the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut original rapid transit system; in China, an offshore wind power plant which generated over 1 billion kWh of carbon-free electricity in the first year; in Brazil, Pernambuco state expanded water supply and sanitation services, which benefits roughly $2 million people; and in South Africa, they are modernising the Durban port, a gateway to the African continent. It is more democratised, where every nation has an equal vote, despite China being a bigger economy and Brazil being comparatively smaller. Unlike the World Bank and IMF, where the US holds veto power with over 16 per cent of total voting rights. It does not seek harsh austerity measures, nor does it require structural and political change in exchange for loans to nations. Also Read: Zohran Mamdani releases 170,000 pages of 9/11 records, says officials misled New Yorkers over toxic air Can it help the Global South out of Western hegemony? Structurally, the New Development Bank is an extension of the same capitalist financial architecture that fuels the Bretton Woods System. It's not a radical break from the Western Hegemony; it is an extension of it. It is merely a scaled-up and pooled version of domestic development banks, copying the exact financial blueprint of the World Bank. But the real problem is that it is still dependent on dollar-based assets; it seeks finance from Wall Street and international capital markets for the majority of its bond issuances. Its credit rating is associated with Western credit agencies like Flich and S&P. This is one of the reasons the bank had to freeze one of its founding members, Russia, following the Western sanctions in 2022 to maintain its credit rating of AA+. Under the leadership of President Dilma Rousseff, the NDB has grown its local currency lending portfolio to approximately 25 per cent and plans to achieve the 30 per cent mark by 2026. It actively issues bonds and uses local-currency financing such as the Chinese Yuan, Indian Rupee, and South African Rand to protect from US monetary policy shocks and exchange rate volatility. The position is somewhere between hegemony and autonomy. It is not breaking free but trying to build a more inclusive pipeline inside the existing global financial grid.

The New Development Bank, or BRICS Bank, has emerged as an alternative development finance institution, expanding local-currency lending while seeking to reduce dependence on the Western-dominated financial system.

BRICS Bank: Can the New Development Bank challenge the World Bank and IMF?

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12 and 13 September. For many years, the West...America and Europe...have seen the grouping as a threat.&nbsp;So, is it really a threat?&nbsp;Well, BRICS is not trying to conquer the world. However, it is definitely challenging the idea that the West owns the world.&nbsp;For decades, the global order was largely written, financed and enforced by Western powers. Institutions like the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund remained heavily tilted toward the realities of 1945, World War II, and not the realities of 2026.&nbsp;BRICS is an attempt to tell the world that times have changed, and inclusivity is the need of the hour.&nbsp;What is in it for India?&nbsp;India has never been anti-West, it has been non-West. And the difference lies in the name.&nbsp;India's objective is strategic autonomy...the freedom to work with America, Russia, Europe, Japan, the Gulf, Africa and China simultaneously, without compromising on any relationship. And that is precisely why BRICS matters.&nbsp;BRICS gives India the leverage to demand reform of institutions that no longer adequately represent the developing world....for instance, the UNSC. It gives the global south strong bargaining power. It can help create alternatives in finance, trade and technology. and it sends a very simple message: the age of one power writing the rules for everyone else is ending.&nbsp;Remember, BRICS is not NATO. It's not a military alliance. So, it's not a politically aligned group, but has diverse membership, reflecting wide-ranging political systems, economic agendas, and strategic priorities. A genuinely multipolar world that will serve everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, not anti-American. Not pro-Chinese. not anti-Western. BRICS makes the international order truly international.&nbsp;So when you watch the BRICS Summit unfold in New Delhi this weekend, remember that the only agenda that India has in BRICS is to be pro-India.

For decades, the global order was largely written, financed and enforced by Western powers. Institutions like the UN, World Bank and International Monetary Fund remained heavily tilted. BRICS is an attempt to tell the world that times have changed, and inclusivity is the need of the hour.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12 and 13 September. For many years, the West...America and Europe...have seen the grouping as a threat. So, is it really a threat? Well, BRICS is not trying to conquer the world. However, it is definitely challenging the idea that the West owns the world. For decades, the global order was largely written, financed and enforced by Western powers. Institutions like the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund remained heavily tilted toward the realities of 1945, World War II, and not the realities of 2026. BRICS is an attempt to tell the world that times have changed, and inclusivity is the need of the hour. What is in it for India? India has never been anti-West, it has been non-West. And the difference lies in the name. India's objective is strategic autonomy...the freedom to work with America, Russia, Europe, Japan, the Gulf, Africa and China simultaneously, without compromising on any relationship. And that is precisely why BRICS matters. BRICS gives India the leverage to demand reform of institutions that no longer adequately represent the developing world....for instance, the UNSC. It gives the global south strong bargaining power. It can help create alternatives in finance, trade and technology. and it sends a very simple message: the age of one power writing the rules for everyone else is ending. Remember, BRICS is not NATO. It's not a military alliance. So, it's not a politically aligned group, but has diverse membership, reflecting wide-ranging political systems, economic agendas, and strategic priorities. A genuinely multipolar world that will serve everyone. So, not anti-American. Not pro-Chinese. not anti-Western. BRICS makes the international order truly international. So when you watch the BRICS Summit unfold in New Delhi this weekend, remember that the only agenda that India has in BRICS is to be pro-India.

For decades, the global order was largely written, financed and enforced by Western powers. Institutions like the UN, World Bank and International Monetary Fund remained heavily tilted. BRICS is an attempt to tell the world that times have changed, and inclusivity is the need of the hour.

BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power | The Verdict

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?

BRICS is pushing for a greater role in reshaping the global order, challenging Western dominance while expanding cooperation among emerging powers. As the bloc grows, can BRICS turn its growing economic and geopolitical weight into a stronger alternative to the existing international system?


Role of BRICS in re-balancing global order, can it expand scope of cooperation? 

BRICS summit is around the corner. Though defence is not an aspect of this grouping, one can't miss the fact that the summit, being held this weekend in Delhi, brings together some of the biggest military powers in the world. BRICS, comprising the 11 members Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is mostly a political and diplomatic coordination forum. It does not have a collective defence structure comparable to NATO, and its members do not operate under a mutual-defence commitment. Yet its expansion has created an unusual concentration of military capabilities, defence industries, manpower, strategic geography and financial resources. Could they one day channel their energies together? While that's up to debate, here is a look at their defence industries and firepower.&nbsp;<h2>Russia: The military heavyweight of BRICS</h2>If one goes by the 2026 Global Firepower ranking, Russia is the strongest BRICS member, &nbsp;placed second globally, with a Power Index (PwrIndx) score of 0.0791. Its conventional military strength involves large land forces, extensive artillery and armoured inventories, a major air force and a powerful navy. Global Firepower estimated Russia's active military manpower at about 1.32 million. Its military-industrial complex also remains one of the world's largest, producing aircraft, air-defence systems, armoured vehicles, missiles, artillery and naval platforms.SIPRI estimates that Russia spent $190 billion on its military in 2025, equivalent to 7.5 per cent of its GDP. That made Russia the world's third-largest military spender.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-fronts-one-stage-russia-ukraine-and-west-asia-crises-shadow-brics-summit-1788855295609">Two fronts, one stage: Russia-Ukraine and West Asia crises shadow BRICS Summit</a><h2>China: Manpower, navy and industrial scale</h2>China ranks third globally in the 2026 Global Firepower assessment, with a PwrIndx of 0.0919.The People's Liberation Army has approximately 2.035 million personnel, making it the largest active military force among the BRICS members. China transformed itself into a major naval and aerospace power over the past decades, while rapidly expanding its missile capabilities and military-industrial production.Its navy fleet is now the world's largest by number of ships. As per SIPRI, China's military expenditure at $336 billion in 2025, second only to the United States.&nbsp;<h2>India: a major military and industrial power</h2>India ranks fourth in the world in the 2026 Global Firepower ranking, with a PwrIndx of 0.1346.At around 1.43 million, India has one of the world's largest armed forces. India is expanding its naval and air capabilities with new aircraft carriers, submarines, fighter aircraft, missiles, drones and indigenous defence systems.India is on course to become a significant defence manufacturer and exporter, as opposed to its earlier status as an importer.According to SIPRI, India's 2025 military expenditure stood at $92.1 billion, an 8.9 per cent on-year increase, which is also the world's fifth-highest military spending.Together, Russia, China and India occupy the second, third and fourth positions in the Global Firepower ranking, giving BRICS an extraordinary concentration of conventional military power.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-s-all-alignment-strategy-balancing-brics-quad-and-the-western-world-the-peacock-s-dance-from-non-aligned-to-all-aligned-1788855361925">India’s ‘all-alignment’ strategy: Balancing BRICS, Quad and the Western world</a><h2>Brazil: Latin America's military leader</h2>Brazil ranks 11th globally with a PwrIndx of 0.2374, making it the highest-ranked Latin American country.It has around 376,000 active personnel, backed by sizeable land, air and naval forces.&nbsp;Its submarine programme is important to its ambitions as a South Atlantic power.Brazil spent approximately $23.9 billion on its military in 2025, SIPRI data shows.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-security-summit-pm-modi-forces-unified-front-against-global-terrorism-1782272524557/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-security-summit-pm-modi-forces-unified-front-against-global-terrorism-1782272524557/embed</a><h2>Indonesia: An emerging maritime power</h2>Indonesia ranks 13th globally in Global Fire Power, with a PwrIndx of 0.2582. Its approximately 404,500 active personnel operate across one of the world's largest archipelagos, making its naval and air power particularly important.Indonesia's defence priorities are shaped by its geography that includes thousands of islands, critical sea lanes of communication, and a strategic position between the Indian and Pacific oceans.Its 2025 military expenditure was around $15 billion, according to SIPRI.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-should-the-bloc-grow-pakistan-bangladesh-among-aspirants-india-cautious-china-backs-expansion-1788850473062">BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? Pakistan, Bangladesh among aspirants, India cautious, China backs expansion</a><h2>Iran: A veteran of asymmetric warfare</h2>Iran occupies 16th place globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.3199. Currently engaged in a conflict with US and Israel, Iran has around 610,000 active personnel. Iran's real capabilities are harder to capture through conventional rankings. The country has ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, air-defence systems and asymmetric naval warfare that has stood up to the US and Israel.Iran's military expenditure was estimated at $7.4 billion in 2025. But SIPRI noted that official figures almost certainly are understated because off-budget oil revenues are also used to finance military activities.<h2>Egypt: Africa's conventional military heavyweight</h2>Egypt, which ranks 19th globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.3651, &nbsp;has nearly 438,500 active personnel, along with significant reserves and paramilitary forces. Its arsenal includes tanks, artillery systems and aircraft, while its navy gives it an important position around the Mediterranean and Red Sea. The Suez Canal also gives Egypt a strategic edge that goes beyond its numerical military ranking.<h2>Saudi Arabia: Spending power meets advanced weaponry</h2>Saudi Arabia ranks 25th globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.4473. At roughly 247,000 active personnel, its armed forces are smaller than those of the largest BRICS militaries. Yet, they are equipped with sophisticated Western-made aircraft, armoured systems and air-defence capabilities.Money is a major part of Saudi military power, with SIPRI estimating that Riyadh spent $83.2 billion in 2025, making it the world's eighth-largest military spender and accounting for 6.5 per cent of its GDP.<h2>South Africa, Ethiopia and UAE: Not small players</h2>South Africa ranks 40th globally, with around 69,000 active personnel. It has a professional military with experience in peacekeeping and regional operations.Ethiopia, ranked 47th, has one of Africa's largest armies by manpower. It has around 503,000 active personnel. The United Arab Emirates, ranked 54th, is the smallest of the group in terms of manpower, with about 65,000 active personnel. But its military is highly modernised, with sophisticated aircraft, air-defence systems, special forces and experience in expeditionary operations.<h2>What if BRICS combined its military resources?</h2>This is a tantalising thought, though only a remote possibility, but the numbers become significant when one thinks about it. The 11 BRICS countries include three of the world's top four conventional military powers: Russia, China and India. Brazil and Indonesia are ranked among the global top 15. Iran and Egypt are inside the top 20. Their combined military expenditure is also enormous: China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Indonesia and Iran alone account for roughly $747 billion.&nbsp;<h2>A word of caution: Adding the numbers does not create a military alliance</h2>The critical question is whether these countries could ever channel their military capabilities towards a common strategic goal. For now, there is little evidence of that happening.&nbsp;BRICS is largely an ‘informal’ mechanism, with no treaty, secretariat or regular bureaucracy backing it, let alone a military pact. Its decision-making is based on consensus. The group itself describes BRICS as a political and diplomatic coordination.<h2>BRICS members have competing interests, making military cooperation doubtful</h2>Despite recent normalisation efforts, India and China have an unresolved border dispute and competing strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been traditional rivals in the Middle East. Egypt, Ethiopia and others have competing regional priorities in AfricaThis translates to enormous political barriers to turning BRICS' combined military strength into a single fighting force.<h2>Potential areas of cooperation for a silent, collective military giant &nbsp;</h2>Short of a military alliance, the BRICS countries could theoretically expand military-to-military dialogue, defence-industrial partnerships, joint research, exercises, logistics cooperation, satellite and space capabilities, drone technology, cyber capabilities and defence trade.BRICS does not need a unified army like NATO to become strategically consequential. Its members already possess huge manpower pools, major defence industries, nuclear powers, missile capabilities, large navies, strategic waterways, energy resources and growing technological capabilities.So what's the takeaway? If the question is whether BRICS could collectively rival a formal military alliance, the answer is no, as of now.But if it's whether BRICS contains enough military and industrial power to become a major defence-industrial and strategic network, the answer is: the ingredients are already there.The unresolved question is whether these 11 countries will ever find enough common strategic ground to put them together.

BRICS brings together three of the world's strongest conventional military powers - Russia, China and India. Could the 11-member bloc's vast defence industries and firepower ever fuel deeper strategic cooperation?

BRICS summit is around the corner. Though defence is not an aspect of this grouping, one can't miss the fact that the summit, being held this weekend in Delhi, brings together some of the biggest military powers in the world. BRICS, comprising the 11 members Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is mostly a political and diplomatic coordination forum. It does not have a collective defence structure comparable to NATO, and its members do not operate under a mutual-defence commitment. Yet its expansion has created an unusual concentration of military capabilities, defence industries, manpower, strategic geography and financial resources. Could they one day channel their energies together? While that's up to debate, here is a look at their defence industries and firepower. Russia: The military heavyweight of BRICS If one goes by the 2026 Global Firepower ranking, Russia is the strongest BRICS member, placed second globally, with a Power Index (PwrIndx) score of 0.0791. Its conventional military strength involves large land forces, extensive artillery and armoured inventories, a major air force and a powerful navy. Global Firepower estimated Russia's active military manpower at about 1.32 million. Its military-industrial complex also remains one of the world's largest, producing aircraft, air-defence systems, armoured vehicles, missiles, artillery and naval platforms. SIPRI estimates that Russia spent $190 billion on its military in 2025, equivalent to 7.5 per cent of its GDP. That made Russia the world's third-largest military spender. Also read: Two fronts, one stage: Russia-Ukraine and West Asia crises shadow BRICS Summit China: Manpower, navy and industrial scale China ranks third globally in the 2026 Global Firepower assessment, with a PwrIndx of 0.0919. The People's Liberation Army has approximately 2.035 million personnel, making it the largest active military force among the BRICS members. China transformed itself into a major naval and aerospace power over the past decades, while rapidly expanding its missile capabilities and military-industrial production. Its navy fleet is now the world's largest by number of ships. As per SIPRI, China's military expenditure at $336 billion in 2025, second only to the United States. India: a major military and industrial power India ranks fourth in the world in the 2026 Global Firepower ranking, with a PwrIndx of 0.1346. At around 1.43 million, India has one of the world's largest armed forces. India is expanding its naval and air capabilities with new aircraft carriers, submarines, fighter aircraft, missiles, drones and indigenous defence systems. India is on course to become a significant defence manufacturer and exporter, as opposed to its earlier status as an importer. According to SIPRI, India's 2025 military expenditure stood at $92.1 billion, an 8.9 per cent on-year increase, which is also the world's fifth-highest military spending. Together, Russia, China and India occupy the second, third and fourth positions in the Global Firepower ranking, giving BRICS an extraordinary concentration of conventional military power. Also read: India’s ‘all-alignment’ strategy: Balancing BRICS, Quad and the Western world Brazil: Latin America's military leader Brazil ranks 11th globally with a PwrIndx of 0.2374, making it the highest-ranked Latin American country. It has around 376,000 active personnel, backed by sizeable land, air and naval forces. Its submarine programme is important to its ambitions as a South Atlantic power. Brazil spent approximately $23.9 billion on its military in 2025, SIPRI data shows. https://www.wionews.com/videos/brics-security-summit-pm-modi-forces-unified-front-against-global-terrorism-1782272524557/embed Indonesia: An emerging maritime power Indonesia ranks 13th globally in Global Fire Power, with a PwrIndx of 0.2582. Its approximately 404,500 active personnel operate across one of the world's largest archipelagos, making its naval and air power particularly important. Indonesia's defence priorities are shaped by its geography that includes thousands of islands, critical sea lanes of communication, and a strategic position between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its 2025 military expenditure was around $15 billion, according to SIPRI. Also read: BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? Pakistan, Bangladesh among aspirants, India cautious, China backs expansion Iran: A veteran of asymmetric warfare Iran occupies 16th place globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.3199. Currently engaged in a conflict with US and Israel, Iran has around 610,000 active personnel. Iran's real capabilities are harder to capture through conventional rankings. The country has ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, air-defence systems and asymmetric naval warfare that has stood up to the US and Israel. Iran's military expenditure was estimated at $7.4 billion in 2025. But SIPRI noted that official figures almost certainly are understated because off-budget oil revenues are also used to finance military activities. Egypt: Africa's conventional military heavyweight Egypt, which ranks 19th globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.3651, has nearly 438,500 active personnel, along with significant reserves and paramilitary forces. Its arsenal includes tanks, artillery systems and aircraft, while its navy gives it an important position around the Mediterranean and Red Sea. The Suez Canal also gives Egypt a strategic edge that goes beyond its numerical military ranking. Saudi Arabia: Spending power meets advanced weaponry Saudi Arabia ranks 25th globally, with a PwrIndx of 0.4473. At roughly 247,000 active personnel, its armed forces are smaller than those of the largest BRICS militaries. Yet, they are equipped with sophisticated Western-made aircraft, armoured systems and air-defence capabilities. Money is a major part of Saudi military power, with SIPRI estimating that Riyadh spent $83.2 billion in 2025, making it the world's eighth-largest military spender and accounting for 6.5 per cent of its GDP. South Africa, Ethiopia and UAE: Not small players South Africa ranks 40th globally, with around 69,000 active personnel. It has a professional military with experience in peacekeeping and regional operations. Ethiopia, ranked 47th, has one of Africa's largest armies by manpower. It has around 503,000 active personnel. The United Arab Emirates, ranked 54th, is the smallest of the group in terms of manpower, with about 65,000 active personnel. But its military is highly modernised, with sophisticated aircraft, air-defence systems, special forces and experience in expeditionary operations. What if BRICS combined its military resources? This is a tantalising thought, though only a remote possibility, but the numbers become significant when one thinks about it. The 11 BRICS countries include three of the world's top four conventional military powers: Russia, China and India. Brazil and Indonesia are ranked among the global top 15. Iran and Egypt are inside the top 20. Their combined military expenditure is also enormous: China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Indonesia and Iran alone account for roughly $747 billion. A word of caution: Adding the numbers does not create a military alliance The critical question is whether these countries could ever channel their military capabilities towards a common strategic goal. For now, there is little evidence of that happening. BRICS is largely an ‘informal’ mechanism, with no treaty, secretariat or regular bureaucracy backing it, let alone a military pact. Its decision-making is based on consensus. The group itself describes BRICS as a political and diplomatic coordination. BRICS members have competing interests, making military cooperation doubtful Despite recent normalisation efforts, India and China have an unresolved border dispute and competing strategic interests across the Indo-Pacific. Saudi Arabia and Iran have been traditional rivals in the Middle East. Egypt, Ethiopia and others have competing regional priorities in Africa This translates to enormous political barriers to turning BRICS' combined military strength into a single fighting force. Potential areas of cooperation for a silent, collective military giant Short of a military alliance, the BRICS countries could theoretically expand military-to-military dialogue, defence-industrial partnerships, joint research, exercises, logistics cooperation, satellite and space capabilities, drone technology, cyber capabilities and defence trade. BRICS does not need a unified army like NATO to become strategically consequential. Its members already possess huge manpower pools, major defence industries, nuclear powers, missile capabilities, large navies, strategic waterways, energy resources and growing technological capabilities. So what's the takeaway? If the question is whether BRICS could collectively rival a formal military alliance, the answer is no, as of now. But if it's whether BRICS contains enough military and industrial power to become a major defence-industrial and strategic network, the answer is: the ingredients are already there. The unresolved question is whether these 11 countries will ever find enough common strategic ground to put them together.

BRICS brings together three of the world's strongest conventional military powers - Russia, China and India. Could the 11-member bloc's vast defence industries and firepower ever fuel deeper strategic cooperation? A possibility or a far-fetched idea?

BRICS Fire Power: Defence is not an area of cooperation, but the bloc can pack a punch when it comes to collective military capabilities, spending

India is ready to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, placing its foreign policy approach under the global spotlight. AsIndia chairs the group taking on a larger role in the Global South, it is also balancing its commitments within BRICS with deepening partnerships with the United States, Europe and other Western powers. From the Quad to growing engagement with the G7, India’s diplomacy has certainly shifted from non-alignment to multi-alignment.<h2>India’s two diplomatic tracks</h2>The two diplomatic tracks of India’s foreign policy can be understood by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in Aug and almost immediately transitioned into a host for BRICS Summit. Similarly in May, India hosted 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting during which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.&nbsp;&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</a>&nbsp;Within BRICS, India supports greater representation for the Global South and stronger economic cooperation. At the same time, New Delhi has been cautious about allowing the bloc to evolve into an explicitly anti-Western or anti-American platform. Through the Quad and other Western partnerships, India focuses heavily on maritime security, resilient supply chains, advanced technology and defence cooperation. These relationships are particularly important as India seeks to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific and respond to China's growing strategic influence.<h2>Why India’s ‘all-alignment’ works</h2>India has been clear that its multi-aligned approach is driven primarily by strategic autonomy and national interest rather than ideological loyalty to any particular power bloc. New Delhi seeks to maintain room for manoeuvre by engaging simultaneously with competing global powers. The best example for this is how India managed ties with Iran amid war with the US and how it kept ties with Russia as strong as before amid pressure from the Trump administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Seeking to choke off funding for the Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump, earlier this year, targeted Moscow's top energy buyers—with India currently depending on Russia for roughly 43% to 48% of its total oil imports.India defended its procurement by emphasizing the economic reality of fueling a nation of 1.4 billion people. In official media briefings, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated: "Our national interest guides our energy purchases, and the imperative for us to meet the energy requirements of 1.4 billion people is what guides us, and that will continue to be our policy."&nbsp;&nbsp;However, to avoid being looked at as a country supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that the war cannot be “endless.” “Every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm. We must move away from endless war towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity. A peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest is the call of humanity, and this is India’s message. Modi added that the “land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-should-the-bloc-grow-pakistan-bangladesh-among-aspirants-india-cautious-china-backs-expansion-1788850473062">BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow?</a>&nbsp;This balancing act allows New Delhi to maintain dialogue with countries such as China and Russia while deepening its strategic partnerships with the US. Similar approach was taken as Iran-US war broke out in Mar this year. India explicitly declined to join the Washington-led coalition. Instead, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pursued bilateral negotiations directly with Tehran to secure "safe passage" guarantees for Indian commercial shipping and mariners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued several precise statements explicitly calling for peace, de-escalation, and the absolute safeguarding of safe passage for commercial shipping. At the same time, speaking before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following multi-nation disruptions, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf.<h2>The Peacock’s Dance</h2>India’s foreign policy is therefore less about choosing one side and more about keeping multiple options open. New Delhi can work with Russia and China through BRICS while simultaneously partnering with the US, Japan and Australia through the Quad and engaging closely with Europe and the G7. This is the essence of India’s emerging “all-alignment”: not sitting on the fence, but using strategic autonomy to navigate a fragmented global order. While there are frictions that India faces while taking a balanced approach, it suits India's interest the best. As India hosts the BRICS Summit, the country’s diplomatic balancing act will be closely watched — particularly as BRICS seeks a greater role in the Global South while India deepens its commitments across the Western-led international system.&nbsp;

India’s foreign policy is shifting from traditional non-alignment to multi-alignment, as New Delhi balances BRICS and ties with Russia and China with growing partnerships with the US, Quad, Europe and G7. As India hosts BRICS 2026, its strategic autonomy faces a global test.

India is ready to host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, placing its foreign policy approach under the global spotlight. AsIndia chairs the group taking on a larger role in the Global South, it is also balancing its commitments within BRICS with deepening partnerships with the United States, Europe and other Western powers. From the Quad to growing engagement with the G7, India’s diplomacy has certainly shifted from non-alignment to multi-alignment. India’s two diplomatic tracks The two diplomatic tracks of India’s foreign policy can be understood by the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in Aug and almost immediately transitioned into a host for BRICS Summit. Similarly in May, India hosted 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting during which External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. Also Read: 'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit Within BRICS, India supports greater representation for the Global South and stronger economic cooperation. At the same time, New Delhi has been cautious about allowing the bloc to evolve into an explicitly anti-Western or anti-American platform. Through the Quad and other Western partnerships, India focuses heavily on maritime security, resilient supply chains, advanced technology and defence cooperation. These relationships are particularly important as India seeks to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific and respond to China's growing strategic influence. Why India’s ‘all-alignment’ works India has been clear that its multi-aligned approach is driven primarily by strategic autonomy and national interest rather than ideological loyalty to any particular power bloc. New Delhi seeks to maintain room for manoeuvre by engaging simultaneously with competing global powers. The best example for this is how India managed ties with Iran amid war with the US and how it kept ties with Russia as strong as before amid pressure from the Trump administration. Seeking to choke off funding for the Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump, earlier this year, targeted Moscow's top energy buyers—with India currently depending on Russia for roughly 43% to 48% of its total oil imports.India defended its procurement by emphasizing the economic reality of fueling a nation of 1.4 billion people. In official media briefings, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated: "Our national interest guides our energy purchases, and the imperative for us to meet the energy requirements of 1.4 billion people is what guides us, and that will continue to be our policy." However, to avoid being looked at as a country supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, Prime Minister Modi during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin told him that the war cannot be “endless.” “Every day spent in war sets humanity back, whereas every step taken towards peace fills humanity with new hope and enthusiasm. We must move away from endless war towards an end to the war. This is essential for the well-being of humanity. A peaceful resolution to all issues at the earliest is the call of humanity, and this is India’s message. Modi added that the “land of Gandhi and the land of Buddha share a single message: the path of peace," he said. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? This balancing act allows New Delhi to maintain dialogue with countries such as China and Russia while deepening its strategic partnerships with the US. Similar approach was taken as Iran-US war broke out in Mar this year. India explicitly declined to join the Washington-led coalition. Instead, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pursued bilateral negotiations directly with Tehran to secure "safe passage" guarantees for Indian commercial shipping and mariners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued several precise statements explicitly calling for peace, de-escalation, and the absolute safeguarding of safe passage for commercial shipping. At the same time, speaking before the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following multi-nation disruptions, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, strongly condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf. The Peacock’s Dance India’s foreign policy is therefore less about choosing one side and more about keeping multiple options open. New Delhi can work with Russia and China through BRICS while simultaneously partnering with the US, Japan and Australia through the Quad and engaging closely with Europe and the G7. This is the essence of India’s emerging “all-alignment”: not sitting on the fence, but using strategic autonomy to navigate a fragmented global order. While there are frictions that India faces while taking a balanced approach, it suits India's interest the best. As India hosts the BRICS Summit, the country’s diplomatic balancing act will be closely watched — particularly as BRICS seeks a greater role in the Global South while India deepens its commitments across the Western-led international system.

India’s foreign policy has shifted from traditional non-alignment to multi-alignment, as New Delhi balances BRICS and ties with Russia and China with growing partnerships with the US, Quad, Europe and G7. As India hosts BRICS 2026, its strategic autonomy faces a global test.

India’s ‘all-alignment’ strategy: Balancing BRICS, Quad and the Western world

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India as the BRICS Summit gets underway in New Delhi on September 12.Ahead of Putin’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the trip will provide an important opportunity for India and Russia to discuss bilateral relations and address key issues on their agenda.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov highlighted the close personal relationship between Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their engagement as pragmatic and open. He said the visit could create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. "In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his India visit. You know that our two leaders, Indian and Russian leaders, are in a very close personal contact. contact. They are very pragmatic in their relationship, and they are as sincere as to be able to discuss in a very open and constructive way the most sensitive issues of our agenda and our bilateral relations. Of course, it opens additional horizons for our cooperation."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-from-delhi-to-g20-in-florida-is-india-emerging-as-the-voice-of-the-global-south-1788848244799">BRICS Summit 2026: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as the voice of the Global South?</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On President Putin&#39;s upcoming visit to India, Dmitry Peskov, Spokesperson for the President of the Russian Federation, says, &quot;In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his visit to India. He will take part in the BRICS summit, and it will also be a significant time… <a href="https://t.co/mP1e9YZAk4">pic.twitter.com/mP1e9YZAk4</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2097249220747030947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Peskov also expressed confidence in India’s ability to successfully host the summit and said Russia would continue supporting efforts to strengthen cooperation within the BRICS framework. "We have no doubt that the summit will be successful. Russia, we are doing our best to contribute to further development of BRICS cooperation in the three main pillars of our interaction. So, those are policy and security. economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contexts. So, we are supporting idea of inviting new countries to join different formats within BRICS," he added. His remarks come ahead of Putin’s India visit, with bilateral ties and broader BRICS cooperation expected to remain key areas of discussion during the summit.

Putin’s India visit for the BRICS Summit will focus on India-Russia ties, bilateral cooperation and strengthening BRICS across key sectors

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India as the BRICS Summit gets underway in New Delhi on September 12. Ahead of Putin’s visit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the trip will provide an important opportunity for India and Russia to discuss bilateral relations and address key issues on their agenda. Speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov highlighted the close personal relationship between Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their engagement as pragmatic and open. He said the visit could create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. "In a couple of days, President Putin will begin his India visit. You know that our two leaders, Indian and Russian leaders, are in a very close personal contact. contact. They are very pragmatic in their relationship, and they are as sincere as to be able to discuss in a very open and constructive way the most sensitive issues of our agenda and our bilateral relations. Of course, it opens additional horizons for our cooperation." Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as the voice of the Global South?

Putin’s India visit ahead of the BRICS Summit will focus on bilateral ties, cooperation and strengthening the grouping’s role across key sectors

BRICS Summit 2026: Russia says Putin will update PM Modi on Ukraine conflict during their meeting

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12, at Bharat Mandapam, the expanded geopolitical bloc faces its most critical diplomatic test to date. The summit brings together leaders from across the Global South under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability," yet the meeting is overshadowed by two simultaneous security crises involving major member states and key global powers.&nbsp;The bloc now sits at the intersection of two major war theatres: the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend in person, marking his second visit to New Delhi in under a year. At the same time, Iranian leadership continues to urge BRICS partners to present a unified diplomatic front against Western military actions and economic sanctions.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-should-the-bloc-grow-pakistan-bangladesh-among-aspirants-india-cautious-china-backs-expansion-1788850473062"> BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? Pakistan, Bangladesh among aspirants, India cautious, China backs expansion</a>&nbsp;The dual conflicts highlight deep structural contradictions within the group. Following its recent expansion which brought Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia into the fold alongside original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa BRICS now encompasses states with starkly divergent geopolitical alignments. While Moscow and Tehran seek to leverage the platform to actively counter Western pressure and foster non-dollar trade systems, other key members like India and the UAE maintain essential strategic, economic, and security relationships with Washington and Western nations.&nbsp;The broader economic impacts of these conflicts remain a core focus for the summit. Military disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz and broader West Asian volatility have rattled global energy markets, keeping crude oil prices hovering above $80 per barrel and threatening international maritime shipping lines. In response, the summit’s economic agenda emphasises building resilient global value chains, strengthening trade access for small businesses, and advancing cross-border payment mechanisms using local currencies and interconnected digital infrastructure to mitigate exposure to international supply shocks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-from-delhi-to-g20-in-florida-is-india-emerging-as-the-voice-of-the-global-south-1788848244799">From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as voice of the Global South?</a>&nbsp;For host nation India, the summit represents a delicate balancing act of strategic autonomy. New Delhi will be navigating internal ideological divisions while preserving the bloc’s core mandate as a constructive platform for multilateral governance reform and global economic stability. As world leaders convene, the gathering underscores how an expanded BRICS must manage the uneasy peace among its diverse membership while addressing the far-reaching spillovers of global warfare.

As geopolitical friction intensifies across Eurasia and the Middle East, the BRICS summit brings key global players together under one roof. Explore how the bloc attempts to broker diplomacy and manage an uneasy peace amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and rising Iran-US-Israel tensions.

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12, at Bharat Mandapam, the expanded geopolitical bloc faces its most critical diplomatic test to date. The summit brings together leaders from across the Global South under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability," yet the meeting is overshadowed by two simultaneous security crises involving major member states and key global powers. The bloc now sits at the intersection of two major war theatres: the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating military confrontations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend in person, marking his second visit to New Delhi in under a year. At the same time, Iranian leadership continues to urge BRICS partners to present a unified diplomatic front against Western military actions and economic sanctions. Also read: BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? Pakistan, Bangladesh among aspirants, India cautious, China backs expansion The dual conflicts highlight deep structural contradictions within the group. Following its recent expansion which brought Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia into the fold alongside original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa BRICS now encompasses states with starkly divergent geopolitical alignments. While Moscow and Tehran seek to leverage the platform to actively counter Western pressure and foster non-dollar trade systems, other key members like India and the UAE maintain essential strategic, economic, and security relationships with Washington and Western nations. The broader economic impacts of these conflicts remain a core focus for the summit. Military disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz and broader West Asian volatility have rattled global energy markets, keeping crude oil prices hovering above $80 per barrel and threatening international maritime shipping lines. In response, the summit’s economic agenda emphasises building resilient global value chains, strengthening trade access for small businesses, and advancing cross-border payment mechanisms using local currencies and interconnected digital infrastructure to mitigate exposure to international supply shocks. Also read: From Delhi to G20 in Florida, is India emerging as voice of the Global South? For host nation India, the summit represents a delicate balancing act of strategic autonomy. New Delhi will be navigating internal ideological divisions while preserving the bloc’s core mandate as a constructive platform for multilateral governance reform and global economic stability. As world leaders convene, the gathering underscores how an expanded BRICS must manage the uneasy peace among its diverse membership while addressing the far-reaching spillovers of global warfare.

As geopolitical friction intensifies across Eurasia and the Middle East, the BRICS summit brings key global players together under one roof. Explore how the bloc attempts to broker diplomacy and manage an uneasy peace amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and rising Iran-US-Israel tensions.

Two fronts, one stage: Russia-Ukraine and West Asia crises shadow BRICS Summit

BRICS Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 12–13, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi with India chairing the grouping this year. It has evolved from a small grouping of emerging economies into a larger platform representing a broad section of the Global South. With its expansion to 11 full members and growing interest from several countries, the question now is whether the bloc should continue adding members or pause to consolidate its existing structure.&nbsp;&nbsp;BRICS currently has 11 full members and 10 officially recognised ‘Partner Countries.’ More than 30 other nations have expressed interest in joining the bloc. The Partner Country framework allows nations such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam to participate in BRICS-related cooperation without the full rights of membership. Among countries seeking greater involvement are Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Venezuela, Colombia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Laos and several African nations.&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 Summi</a><h2>India’s stand on BRICS Expansion</h2>India supports expansion but has adopted a cautious and criteria-based approach. New Delhi has supported the broader representation of the Global South but has emphasised that future expansion should follow mutually agreed criteria. India has also stressed that prospective members should maintain friendly relations with all existing BRICS countries. For India, this approach is particularly important because BRICS should remain a platform for economic cooperation and greater representation in global institutions rather than evolve into an explicitly anti-Western or anti-American bloc. New Delhi has sought to maintain strategic autonomy, working with BRICS while simultaneously maintaining important relationships with the United States, Europe and other Western partners.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-brics-evolved-in-20-years-full-timeline-of-members-expansion-and-major-summits-brics-summit-new-delhi-2026-news-1788767833400">How BRICS evolved in 20 years</a><h2>China pushes for larger BRICS, Russia supports cautious approach</h2>China has generally been among the strongest advocates of BRICS expansion. Beijing sees a larger grouping as a way to increase the collective weight of emerging economies and strengthen BRICS as an alternative centre of global influence particularly against America. China has also supported the inclusion of countries such as Pakistan.&nbsp;Russia favoured BRICS expansion, particularly as the bloc provides Moscow with an important platform for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties outside the West. However, after the admission of several new members, Russia has indicated support for taking a more measured approach.The concern is that BRICS needs time to adapt to its expanded membership. Rather than immediately adding another wave of full members, Moscow has favoured consolidating the existing group and improving its internal mechanisms.&nbsp;<h2>Brazil and South Africa’s Positions</h2>Brazil has also taken a more cautious position, particularly over the impact of uncontrolled expansion on the bloc’s identity and decision-making process. Brasília has emphasised the importance of consensus and does not want BRICS to become so large that its members struggle to agree on common priorities. South Africa, meanwhile, has generally supported expansion, particularly when it strengthens Africa’s representation in global governance. The admission of Egypt and Ethiopia has already increased Africa’s presence within BRICS, giving South Africa a stronger regional voice in pushing for a more representative international system.<h2>The Pakistan and Bangladesh Question</h2>Pakistan’s interest in BRICS shows how geopolitical considerations complicate the expansion debate. Islamabad has formally sought BRICS membership, seeing the bloc as an opportunity to diversify its trade relationships. India’s opposition has effectively prevented Pakistan from becoming a full member, while China's support has provided weightage to Islamabad's demand. India-Pakistan tensions and the broader strategic rivalry between India and China make Pakistan’s possible entry particularly sensitive. Its membership would also raise questions about whether BRICS should prioritise economic representation or give greater weight to geopolitical compatibility among its members.&nbsp;Same is true for Bangladesh as it has also expressed strong interest in joining BRICS. Dhaka views membership as a way to expand trade opportunities, secure development financing and strengthen its position within the emerging Global South economic architecture. Bangladesh also falls in the same bracket as Pakistan as its inclusion would trigger a debate between economic representation and geopolitical affinities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Should BRICS expand further or consolidate its 11-member grouping? While expansion could boost Global South representation, trade and alternative financing, concerns over consensus and geopolitical differences remain.

BRICS Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 12–13, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi with India chairing the grouping this year. It has evolved from a small grouping of emerging economies into a larger platform representing a broad section of the Global South. With its expansion to 11 full members and growing interest from several countries, the question now is whether the bloc should continue adding members or pause to consolidate its existing structure. BRICS currently has 11 full members and 10 officially recognised ‘Partner Countries.’ More than 30 other nations have expressed interest in joining the bloc. The Partner Country framework allows nations such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam to participate in BRICS-related cooperation without the full rights of membership. Among countries seeking greater involvement are Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Algeria, Venezuela, Colombia, Bahrain, Cambodia, Laos and several African nations. Also Read: 'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summi India’s stand on BRICS Expansion India supports expansion but has adopted a cautious and criteria-based approach. New Delhi has supported the broader representation of the Global South but has emphasised that future expansion should follow mutually agreed criteria. India has also stressed that prospective members should maintain friendly relations with all existing BRICS countries. For India, this approach is particularly important because BRICS should remain a platform for economic cooperation and greater representation in global institutions rather than evolve into an explicitly anti-Western or anti-American bloc. New Delhi has sought to maintain strategic autonomy, working with BRICS while simultaneously maintaining important relationships with the United States, Europe and other Western partners. Also Read: How BRICS evolved in 20 years China pushes for larger BRICS, Russia supports cautious approach China has generally been among the strongest advocates of BRICS expansion. Beijing sees a larger grouping as a way to increase the collective weight of emerging economies and strengthen BRICS as an alternative centre of global influence particularly against America. China has also supported the inclusion of countries such as Pakistan. Russia favoured BRICS expansion, particularly as the bloc provides Moscow with an important platform for strengthening economic and diplomatic ties outside the West. However, after the admission of several new members, Russia has indicated support for taking a more measured approach. The concern is that BRICS needs time to adapt to its expanded membership. Rather than immediately adding another wave of full members, Moscow has favoured consolidating the existing group and improving its internal mechanisms. Brazil and South Africa’s Positions Brazil has also taken a more cautious position, particularly over the impact of uncontrolled expansion on the bloc’s identity and decision-making process. Brasília has emphasised the importance of consensus and does not want BRICS to become so large that its members struggle to agree on common priorities. South Africa, meanwhile, has generally supported expansion, particularly when it strengthens Africa’s representation in global governance. The admission of Egypt and Ethiopia has already increased Africa’s presence within BRICS, giving South Africa a stronger regional voice in pushing for a more representative international system. The Pakistan and Bangladesh Question Pakistan’s interest in BRICS shows how geopolitical considerations complicate the expansion debate. Islamabad has formally sought BRICS membership, seeing the bloc as an opportunity to diversify its trade relationships. India’s opposition has effectively prevented Pakistan from becoming a full member, while China's support has provided weightage to Islamabad's demand. India-Pakistan tensions and the broader strategic rivalry between India and China make Pakistan’s possible entry particularly sensitive. Its membership would also raise questions about whether BRICS should prioritise economic representation or give greater weight to geopolitical compatibility among its members. Same is true for Bangladesh as it has also expressed strong interest in joining BRICS. Dhaka views membership as a way to expand trade opportunities, secure development financing and strengthen its position within the emerging Global South economic architecture. Bangladesh also falls in the same bracket as Pakistan as its inclusion would trigger a debate between economic representation and geopolitical affinities.

Should BRICS expand further or consolidate its 11-member grouping? While expansion could boost Global South representation, trade and alternative financing, concerns over consensus and geopolitical differences remain.

BRICS Summit 2026: Should the bloc grow? Pakistan, Bangladesh among aspirants, India cautious, China backs expansion

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?

Iran on Monday (Sep 7) praised its ties with India as “very good" and said it attaches “great importance" to the relationship. The remark is Iran's first since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in a statement said that the two countries share a “long-standing, historic and civilisational relationship and it “continues to develop." Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-ric-emerge-from-brics-the-question-of-a-power-trio-that-hesitates-to-unite-1788807393512">Will RIC emerge from BRICS? The question of a power trio that hesitates to unite</a>&nbsp;Speaking at a press briefing, he said, “India is a member of both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. It is also one of the countries with which we have good relations in various areas, particularly trade and economic cooperation," he added. Baghaei said Iran would use the BRICS Summit as an opportunity to continue discussions with India on areas of mutual interest. “Various issues are usually discussed during consultations between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port, which is important to both countries. We will certainly make use of the opportunity provided by the BRICS Summit to continue our discussions and consultations with India in areas of mutual interest," he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-will-bangladesh-pm-tarique-rahman-travel-to-new-delhi-1788766230040">BRICS Summit 2026: Will Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman travel to New Delhi and why it matters?</a><h2>US watching the BRICS Summit closely</h2>Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after Modi-Pezeshkian meet said that he did not believe that the meeting was aimed at paving the way for an India-Iran trade deal. Speaking to Fox News Radio, Rubio had said countries could pursue their own foreign policies but warned against helping Iran bypass US sanctions. “No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon. And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too," Rubio said, adding that countries helping Tehran evade sanctions could face US sanctions. As Pezeshkian is headed to India, the US administration will be keenly watching the developments and interactions during the BRICS summit.

Iran has praised its “very good” ties with India, stressing the importance of bilateral cooperation in trade and the Chabahar Port. Tehran plans to use the BRICS Summit to deepen discussions with India, amid US warnings over sanctions and India’s engagement with Iran.

Iran on Monday (Sep 7) praised its ties with India as “very good" and said it attaches “great importance" to the relationship. The remark is Iran's first since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in a statement said that the two countries share a “long-standing, historic and civilisational relationship and it “continues to develop." Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13. Also Read: Will RIC emerge from BRICS? The question of a power trio that hesitates to unite Speaking at a press briefing, he said, “India is a member of both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS. It is also one of the countries with which we have good relations in various areas, particularly trade and economic cooperation," he added. Baghaei said Iran would use the BRICS Summit as an opportunity to continue discussions with India on areas of mutual interest. “Various issues are usually discussed during consultations between Iran and India, including the Chabahar Port, which is important to both countries. We will certainly make use of the opportunity provided by the BRICS Summit to continue our discussions and consultations with India in areas of mutual interest," he said. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Will Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman travel to New Delhi and why it matters? US watching the BRICS Summit closely Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after Modi-Pezeshkian meet said that he did not believe that the meeting was aimed at paving the way for an India-Iran trade deal. Speaking to Fox News Radio, Rubio had said countries could pursue their own foreign policies but warned against helping Iran bypass US sanctions. “No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon. And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too," Rubio said, adding that countries helping Tehran evade sanctions could face US sanctions. As Pezeshkian is headed to India, the US administration will be keenly watching the developments and interactions during the BRICS summit.

Iran has praised its “very good” ties with India, stressing the importance of bilateral cooperation in trade and the Chabahar Port. Tehran plans to use the BRICS Summit to deepen discussions with India, amid US warnings over sanctions and India’s engagement with Iran.

'Relations continue to develop': Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit as US keeps close watch

The growth of BRICS as a promising and impactful grouping reflects one of the biggest recent transformations in the global order. With its expanded membership, BRICS now represents a substantial share of the world’s population, economic output, natural resources and agricultural capacity. However, this enormous scale also exposes BRICS to two interconnected challenges that could shape its future: energy security and food security.&nbsp;Energy is the foundational requirement of modern economic development, and several BRICS nations are among the world’s largest producers of oil, natural gas, coal and other energy resources, while others are major energy consumers and rapidly growing economies.The group possesses enormous energy resources, but these resources are unevenly distributed. Countries that import energy are exposed to price fluctuations and supply disruptions and are affected by geopolitical tensions and instability in global markets.&nbsp;The energy crisis is therefore more about creating a more secure, affordable and diversified energy system. The BRICS member countries thus have an opportunity to strengthen long-term energy security through greater cooperation in oil and gas, electricity, nuclear power, renewable energy, critical minerals, and energy infrastructure.In this situation, expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency could reduce dependence on volatile fossil-fuel markets while supporting industrial growth.&nbsp;Food security also presents an equally serious challenge. BRICS has some of the world’s most important agricultural producers as well as nations with large and rapidly growing populations. Climate and climate change, water shortage, extreme weather, soil degradation, fertiliser costs and disruptions to supply chains can threaten food production and raise prices.&nbsp;However, collaboration and cooperation in agricultural technology, fertilisers, irrigation, grain reserves, logistics and trade mechanisms could make member countries more resilient to global shocks.&nbsp;As climate pressures intensify, sharing technologies for drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture and efficient water use become increasingly important.&nbsp;Besides, energy and food security are deeply connected. Modern agriculture requires energy for irrigation, machinery, refrigeration, transportation and processing, and hence, energy prices influence the cost of producing and transporting food.&nbsp;Due to the close linking and interdependence, any disruption in one system can therefore quickly spread into the other.&nbsp;In today’s world, no country can completely eliminate its exposure to global markets and so stronger intra-BRICS trade, diversified supply chains, strategic reserves, investment and greater use of local currencies can help reduce vulnerability to external shocks.&nbsp;The world's largest emerging economies have the population, resources and economic weight to make a difference. Therefore, if BRICS member nations use their combined strengths effectively, then energy security and food security could become pillars of a more stable multipolar economy. Any lack of this cooperation and collaboration could become major constraints on growth and social stability, thereby enfeebling the BRICS grouping, instead of continuing its growth momentum.

Cooperation in agricultural technology, fertilisers, irrigation, grain reserves, logistics and trade mechanisms could make member countries more resilient to global shocks. As climate pressures intensify, sharing technologies for drought-resistant crops and efficient water use becomes vital.

The growth of BRICS as a promising and impactful grouping reflects one of the biggest recent transformations in the global order. With its expanded membership, BRICS now represents a substantial share of the world’s population, economic output, natural resources and agricultural capacity. However, this enormous scale also exposes BRICS to two interconnected challenges that could shape its future: energy security and food security. Energy is the foundational requirement of modern economic development, and several BRICS nations are among the world’s largest producers of oil, natural gas, coal and other energy resources, while others are major energy consumers and rapidly growing economies. The group possesses enormous energy resources, but these resources are unevenly distributed. Countries that import energy are exposed to price fluctuations and supply disruptions and are affected by geopolitical tensions and instability in global markets. The energy crisis is therefore more about creating a more secure, affordable and diversified energy system. The BRICS member countries thus have an opportunity to strengthen long-term energy security through greater cooperation in oil and gas, electricity, nuclear power, renewable energy, critical minerals, and energy infrastructure. In this situation, expanding renewable energy and improving energy efficiency could reduce dependence on volatile fossil-fuel markets while supporting industrial growth. Food security also presents an equally serious challenge. BRICS has some of the world’s most important agricultural producers as well as nations with large and rapidly growing populations. Climate and climate change, water shortage, extreme weather, soil degradation, fertiliser costs and disruptions to supply chains can threaten food production and raise prices. However, collaboration and cooperation in agricultural technology, fertilisers, irrigation, grain reserves, logistics and trade mechanisms could make member countries more resilient to global shocks. As climate pressures intensify, sharing technologies for drought-resistant crops, precision agriculture and efficient water use become increasingly important. Besides, energy and food security are deeply connected. Modern agriculture requires energy for irrigation, machinery, refrigeration, transportation and processing, and hence, energy prices influence the cost of producing and transporting food. Due to the close linking and interdependence, any disruption in one system can therefore quickly spread into the other. In today’s world, no country can completely eliminate its exposure to global markets and so stronger intra-BRICS trade, diversified supply chains, strategic reserves, investment and greater use of local currencies can help reduce vulnerability to external shocks. The world's largest emerging economies have the population, resources and economic weight to make a difference. Therefore, if BRICS member nations use their combined strengths effectively, then energy security and food security could become pillars of a more stable multipolar economy. Any lack of this cooperation and collaboration could become major constraints on growth and social stability, thereby enfeebling the BRICS grouping, instead of continuing its growth momentum.

Cooperation in agricultural technology, fertilisers, irrigation, grain reserves, logistics and trade mechanisms could make member countries more resilient to global shocks. As climate pressures intensify, sharing technologies for drought-resistant crops and efficient water use becomes vital.

Energy and food security: Biggest combined population and GDP, and the two big challenges for BRICS

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

brics-summit-2026

Brics Summit 2026, News on Brics Summit 2026, stories on Brics Summit 2026, articles on Brics Summit 2026, Brics Summit 2026 stories at Wion, Brics Summit 2026 news, Brics Summit 2026 latest news

brics summit-2026

BRICS summit 2026: Can BRICS build a stronger global finance system?

BRICS summit 2026: Russia confident BRICS can overcome Iran-UAE rift

BRICS Summit 2026: Can BRICS turn climate pledges into action?

From 100% tariff to 'little group fading out': What Trump said about BRICS

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi police work to ensure smooth transit for delegates

BRICS Summit 2026 | Modi and Xi: Photos that tell the story of India-China ties

BRICS Summit: Traffic restrictions, advisories, holidays and other preparations

Will BRICS emerge as bloc within a bloc at Florida G20, flex its growing clout?

BRICS cultural diplomacy: Building bridges between people and nations

BRICS Bank: Can the New Development Bank challenge the World Bank and IMF?

BRICS is not anti-West, it’s just challenging the West’s monopoly on power

Can India, China and Russia bridge differences amid global crises?

Role of BRICS in re-balancing global order, can it expand scope of cooperation?

BRICS Fire Power: Defence is not an area of cooperation, but the bloc can pack a punch when it comes to collective military capabilities, spending

India’s ‘all-alignment’ strategy: Balancing BRICS, Quad and the Western world

BRICS 2026: Trump is watching amid Global South pushback on tariffs, trade, wars

BRICS: Russia says Putin to update PM Modi on Ukraine war during their meeting

Two fronts, one stage: Russia-Ukraine and West Asia crises shadow BRICS Summit

BRICS Summit 2026: Who wants expansion and why India is urging caution

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

Iran hails India ties ahead of BRICS Summit as US keeps close watch

Energy and food security: Biggest net population and GDP, and BRICS’ challenges

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

BRICS Summit 2026: Between China, Russia and US. How India plays its own game