India took over the BRICS chairmanship on 1 January 2026, leading the expanded bloc of 10 countries.New Delhi’s 2026 priorities center on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability.India’s leadership aims to deepen economic integration and host the 18th BRICS Summit.
From 1 January 2026, India officially assumed the rotating chairmanship of the BRICS, taking over leadership from Brazil as the bloc enters its expanded format. The chairmanship transition marks the first time India leads the expanded BRICS structure now comprising 10 member countries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined New Delhi’s priorities for 2026, emphasizing a strategy to “build resilience and foster innovation for cooperation and sustainability”. Modi stated that the agenda will focus on strengthening economic collaboration, technological advancement, and inclusive development across member states.
Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko congratulated India on its new role, expressing confidence that the Indian presidency will contribute to deeper cooperation and support efforts toward a multipolar global order. India is also slated to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.
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