Brazil has handed over the BRICS presidency to India for 2026 amid global trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and debates on multilateralism.

About BRICS

• BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies aimed at promoting multilateralism, South–South cooperation, and reform of global governance institutions.
• Establishment
  • Founded in 2006 as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China).
  • South Africa joined in 2010, expanding it to BRICS.
  • The grouping later expanded to include new full members, taking total membership to 11 countries.
• Current Members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates
• Presidency: BRICS follows a rotational presidency among member states.
  • Brazil held the presidency in 2025, and India assumed it for 2026.

Recent Challenges for BRICS

• Strain on Multilateralism: Unilateral sanctions, trade wars, and tariff threats especially from the U.S. have tested BRICS’ collective resolve.
• Economic Pressures: Global financial instability and criticism of dollar dominance have intensified scrutiny of BRICS’ push for economic autonomy.
• Managing Expanded Membership: Integrating new members while preserving BRICS’ original principles poses institutional and coordination challenges.

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Significance of India’s Presidency

• Continuity with Reform Agenda: India will carry forward priorities on AI governance, climate finance, health cooperation, and sustainable development.
• Voice of the Global South: India’s leadership strengthens BRICS as a platform for inclusive growth, equitable global governance, and development-centric multilateralism.
• Strategic Balancing Role: India is well-placed to bridge diverse interests within BRICS amid global geopolitical polarization.

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