Where Will the Next 18th BRICS Summit 2026 Be Held? India Set to Host in 2026 After Brazil’s 2025 Chairmanship
Introduction
The BRICS grouping—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (with recent expansions)—has emerged as a formidable voice of the Global South. With the 17th BRICS Summit hosted successfully in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in July 2025, attention now turns toward India, which is slated to host the next BRICS Summit in 2026. This transition marks a significant moment in the BRICS journey, reflecting the rotational presidency structure that defines the organization’s governance.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is an acronym representing five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Originally conceptualized as “BRIC” by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, the group was later formalized through annual summits and cooperation in key geopolitical, financial, developmental, and environmental sectors. South Africa joined in 2010, expanding it to BRICS.
In recent years, BRICS has also signaled a move toward expansion, welcoming new countries such as Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates in various capacities, with further expansion under discussion.
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17th BRICS Summit: Hosted by Brazil in 2025
📅 Dates: July 6–7, 2025
📍 Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
👤 Chair: President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
The 2025 BRICS Summit brought global attention as leaders of major emerging economies gathered to discuss a shared vision for global governance reform, economic collaboration, sustainability, and financial multipolarity. It was Brazil’s turn to chair the summit, and the country focused on themes like climate justice, developmental finance, and reform of multilateral institutions such as the UN and IMF.
Read This: BRICS Members and the BRICS Summit 2025: A New Era of Multipolar Global Cooperation
Key Highlights of the 2025 Summit:
- PM Modi’s Emphasis on Climate Justice: Calling it a “moral duty,” Prime Minister Modi urged BRICS nations to champion planetary health and sustainable growth.
- Economic Cooperation: The leaders agreed to explore a BRICS guarantee fund to encourage investment in member states.
- Calls for Multilateral Reform: A major section of the Rio Declaration was devoted to demanding reforms in the UN Security Council and other global bodies.
- Absences: Both President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin did not attend in person, raising questions about future BRICS cohesion.
- Trump’s Tariff Threats: The summit was overshadowed by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of potential tariffs on BRICS nations, calling them “anti-American”—a sign of deteriorating North-South relations.
Where Will the Next BRICS Summit Be Held?
✅ Answer: India
📅 Scheduled: 2026 (Date & City TBA)
🪷 Chair: India
India is all set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, as confirmed during the closing session of the Rio summit in Brazil. Under the BRICS rotational presidency model, each member country gets a turn to chair the summit and set the annual agenda.
This will be India’s second time hosting a BRICS summit in the post-pandemic era, with the last time being in 2021 (virtually due to COVID-19).
Read This: India’s Role in Global Diplomacy: From BRICS to G7
Why India’s BRICS Presidency in 2026 is Significant
India’s presidency in 2026 is not just symbolic—it comes at a time when global geopolitics is shifting rapidly:
- India’s Rise in Global Diplomacy: With its leadership of the G20 in 2023 and growing voice in the UN and climate negotiations, India is seen as a bridge between the West and Global South.
- Economic Growth: As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India is expected to push for new trade and investment mechanisms within BRICS.
- Digital and Financial Innovation: India may introduce agendas around digital public infrastructure, CBDC cooperation, and de-dollarization alternatives.
- Security and Counterterrorism: India will likely raise cross-border terrorism as a major theme, seeking consensus in the wake of global instability.
Expected Themes of BRICS 2026 in India
While the formal agenda is yet to be announced, early indicators suggest the following focus areas:
| Focus Area | Expected Agenda Points |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Global South Leadership | Voice for UN reforms, greater development finance access |
| 🏦 Economic Multipolarity | Strengthening BRICS Bank, moving away from dollar dependence |
| 🌱 Climate Action | Solar alliance, climate funding, water security |
| 🖥️ Digital Infrastructure | Interoperable digital ID, cross-border UPI |
| 🕊️ Peace and Stability | Counterterrorism, Indo-Pacific balance |
Likely Host City in India
While the official host city is yet to be announced, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad are considered strong contenders. Factors that will influence the choice include:
- International airport and diplomatic infrastructure
- Hotel and convention facilities
- Security logistics and ease of transport
A formal announcement is expected by early 2026.
BRICS Summit Host Timeline (Recent & Upcoming)
| Year | Summit | Host Country | Host City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15th | South Africa | Johannesburg |
| 2024 | 16th | Russia | Kazan |
| 2025 | 17th | Brazil | Rio de Janeiro |
| 2026 | 18th | India | TBD |
| 2027 | 19th | China (Likely) | TBD |
Conclusion
The upcoming BRICS Summit in 2026, to be hosted by India, represents a critical juncture for the bloc’s future. As the world undergoes economic rebalancing and geopolitical realignment, India’s role in setting the next BRICS agenda could be transformative. From championing climate justice and digital inclusion to restructuring global governance, India’s presidency will be watched closely by both allies and adversaries.
With Brazil having set the stage with its inclusive and reformist summit in 2025, the baton now passes to India—a nation ready to shape the future of one of the world’s most influential coalitions.
