India holds a unique diplomatic position as it hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, balancing its role as chair of the Expanded Brics bloc while maintaining vital strategic partnerships with Western allies through frameworks like the Quad.

 BRICS: India in a potentially unique diplomatic position

India’s BRICS presidency is putting resilience and innovation at the heart of the 2026 summit agenda. The focus is on strengthening economic cooperation, driving innovation and building a more resilient Global South amid growing global challenges.

BRICS summit 2026: India's BRICS presidency focuses on resilience, innovation

BRICS countries are pushing currency diversification and local-currency settlements rather than an abrupt end to the US dollar’s role in global trade. Member nations are increasingly using currencies such as the rupee, ruble, yuan and dirham for bilateral trade to reduce transaction costs and strengthen financial cooperation.

BRICS focuses on diversification over de-dollarisation

The 18th BRICS Summit will be held on September 12–13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, under India's chairship, with energy security and world oil dynamics forming a core part of the discussions.

BRICS summit 2026: Tehran New Delhi direct

At the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India is pushing a pragmatic plan to reduce reliance on the US dollar through local-currency trade settlements and greater CBDC connectivity. Rather than pursuing a common BRICS currency, the focus is on building alternative payment mechanisms while strengthening financial cooperation among member nations.

BRICS summit 2026: India's approach to reducing dollar dependence

India champions dialogue and diplomacy as the foundational pillars of its chairship for the 18th BRICS Summit taking place in New Delhi.


BRICS summit 2026: 'Dialogue and Diplomacy' at the heart of India's approach

The 18th BRICS Summit is underway at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12–13, with India placing sustainability and a people-centric approach at the heart of its BRICS 2026 agenda.

BRICS summit 2026: India puts sustainability at centre of 2026 BRICS agenda 

India is pushing to take UPI beyond its domestic success by linking it with payment systems in other countries. PM Narendra Modi has called for greater cross-border integration, especially with nations that have large Indian communities and strong trade ties with India.

PM Modi's push to link UPI with foreign payment systems during BRICS summit

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, artificial intelligence and quantum computing are emerging as key priorities for its presidency. India is expected to push cooperation in advanced technologies, strengthen innovation partnerships and promote practical outcomes for BRICS nations.


BRICS summit 2026: Economic cooperation at the heart of BRICS summit

As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, artificial intelligence and quantum computing are emerging as key priorities for its presidency. India is expected to push cooperation in advanced technologies, strengthen innovation partnerships and promote practical outcomes for BRICS nations.

BRICS summit 2026: AI & quantum computing: Two important sectors for India 

BRICS, G20 and SCO are giving the Global South a stronger voice in shaping the world order, pushing for greater representation, cooperation and influence in global affairs.

BRICS, G20 & SCO: The voice of the global south 

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? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set for a crucial bilateral meeting ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Trade, economic cooperation and Gulf tensions are expected to dominate the talks, while Russia is also opening the door to India playing a role in the Russia-Ukraine peace process. As BRICS expands its global footprint, Moscow sees Delhi as a key strategic partner in shaping a changing world order.


PM Modi & Putin to hold bilateral meet ahead of BRICS summit

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, bringing together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries. With India holding the 2026 BRICS chairship, the summit will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability as the expanded bloc seeks a bigger role in the global order.


BRICS summit 2026: Moscow New Delhi direct

Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of Sunday’s motorcade rehearsal for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly as security arrangements and traffic restrictions are put in place ahead of the September 11–13 summit.

BRICS Summit 2026: 35 roads to remain affected during motorcade rehearsal

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