New Delhi, 2 January 2026 — India has officially assumed the rotating presidency of BRICS for the year 2026, taking over the leadership of the influential bloc of emerging economies from Brazil on 1 January 2026. This marks the first time India will lead the expanded BRICS format, which has grown beyond its original five members.
In a symbolic ceremony preceding the transition, Brazil handed over the BRICS chairmanship — represented by a traditional gavel — to India’s sherpa, reaffirming continuity and cooperation within the group.
The presidency is temporary and rotational, with each member state holding the chair for one calendar year.
Background and Evolution of BRICS
- Origins (BRIC): Political consultations among BRIC nations began in 2006 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
- First Leaders’ Summit: The inaugural summit of BRIC leaders was held in 2009 at Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- Formation of BRICS: The grouping expanded in 2011 with the inclusion of South Africa, becoming BRICS.
- Institutional Structure: BRICS has no permanent headquarters and functions as an informal coordination mechanism with a rotating presidency.
- New Development Bank (NDB): The BRICS-backed NDB is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
BRICS Membership
Current members include: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.
How is the BRICS Presidency Decided?
- The BRICS presidency is not elected through voting.It follows a rotational system, traditionally aligned with the alphabetical order of the acronym “BRICS.”
- Tenure: Each presidency runs from 1 January to 31 December.
- Responsibilities of the Chair Country:
- Setting annual priorities and agenda
- Chairing meetings at Sherpa, Ministerial, and Leaders’ levels
- Hosting the BRICS Summit
- Official Language: BRICS does not prescribe a single official language.
Key Priorities Under India’s Leadership
India has framed its BRICS presidency around sustainable development, technological innovation, and strengthened multilateral cooperation. The foreign policy establishment in New Delhi has outlined a roadmap that builds on India’s recent leadership in other global forums and its experience in championing inclusive, development-oriented agendas on the world stage.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated a vision to redefine the bloc’s role by focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and environmental stability — themes that reflect India’s broader diplomatic priorities.
Global Context and Strategic Significance
India steps into the BRICS presidency at a time of shifting global dynamics. The bloc — now expanded to include new members and partners — represents a significant portion of the world’s population and economic activity. India’s leadership is seen as an opportunity for the Global South to reaffirm its voice on issues ranging from trade and climate finance to digital transformation and multilateral reforms.
The presidency also comes amid evolving geopolitical and economic pressures, including debates over trade rules and currency systems as global protectionism rises. India is expected to advocate for stronger multilateralism while carefully navigating tensions with other major economies.
Diplomatic Reactions and Regional Impacts
World leaders have congratulated India on assuming the BRICS chairship. Belarus’s President Aleksandr Lukashenko highlighted the importance and relevance of India’s BRICS priorities, emphasizing their topicality for 2026 cooperation.
New Delhi also faces important geopolitical questions under its presidency, including the debate over BRICS expansion rules and the potential membership bid of neighboring countries, a subject likely to shape diplomatic conversations in the year ahead.
India’s Broader Diplomatic Landscape in 2026
The BRICS chairmanship is part of a larger diplomatic push by India in 2026, with the country set to host several international summits, including forums like the India–EU Summit and the QUAD dialogue, reinforcing its role as a key facilitator of global cooperation across diverse geopolitical spectrums.
As India begins its BRICS presidency, global observers will closely watch how New Delhi leverages the platform to advance collaborative solutions to pressing economic, environmental, and technological challenges — and to strengthen the role of developing nations in shaping the future world order.
