18th BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi Hosts Global Leaders
The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 is taking place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. India is hosting the summit under its BRICS chairship, bringing together (18th BRICS Summit 2026) leaders and representatives from BRICS member countries, partner nations and international organisations.
The summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing the summit. The central theme of the Indian BRICS presidency is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
## 18th BRICS Summit 2026: Why Is It Important?
The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 is an important international diplomatic event because BRICS has expanded significantly in recent years. The grouping provides a platform for major emerging economies to discuss economic development, trade, technology, investment, (18th BRICS Summit 2026) sustainability and cooperation among countries of the Global South.
India’s 2026 presidency focuses on four major areas: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. These priorities are aimed at strengthening cooperation between member countries and promoting practical solutions to global challenges.
BRICS Members in 2026
By 2026, BRICS consists of 11 member countries:
Brazil
Russia
India
China
South Africa
Egypt
Ethiopia
Indonesia
Iran
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
The grouping also has partner countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
The expansion of BRICS has increased the group’s geographical and economic significance and provides more opportunities for cooperation among developing and emerging economies.
Bharat Mandapam: Summit Venue
The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 is being hosted at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The convention and exhibition centre is designed to accommodate thousands of delegates and includes large plenary halls, meeting rooms and facilities for high-level diplomatic events.
Bharat Mandapam previously hosted the G20 New Delhi Summit in 2023, making it an important venue for major international gatherings in India.
BRICS Business Forum 2026
Ahead of the leaders’ summit, the BRICS Business Forum was held on September 11 at Bharat Mandapam.
The forum brought together government representatives, business leaders, financial institutions, startups and representatives from BRICS business organisations. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation among BRICS countries.
The participation of businesses and startups highlights the growing importance of innovation, investment and technology in BRICS cooperation.
New Delhi Declaration Expected (18th BRICS Summit 2026)
One of the major outcomes expected from the summit is the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. The declaration is expected to reflect the common priorities and commitments discussed by BRICS leaders during the summit.
The leaders’ programme includes closed-door discussions among BRICS members, an expanded session involving partner and outreach countries, bilateral meetings and other ceremonial events.
India’s BRICS Presidency
India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, succeeding Brazil. This is India’s fourth BRICS chairship, following its earlier presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
Through its 2026 presidency, India aims to strengthen BRICS institutions, support the interests of the Global South and encourage cooperation in areas such as technology, trade, development and sustainability.
Conclusion
The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 marks an important moment in India’s international diplomacy. With leaders, partner countries, businesses and international organisations participating, the New Delhi summit provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation on economic development, technology, sustainability and global challenges.
The summit’s focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability reflects India’s vision for a stronger and more practical BRICS partnership.
