Table of Contents
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a grouping of emerging and developing economies that cooperates in areas including political and security affairs, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The grouping has expanded from its original members and has become an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.
BRICS Summit 2026: Date and Venue
The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, from September 12 to 13, 2026.
India held the BRICS chairship during 2026 and hosted a wide programme of meetings and engagements involving ministers, parliamentarians, government officials, experts, businesses and civil society.
Host: India
Location: New Delhi
Dates: September 12–13, 2026
Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Theme of the BRICS Summit 2026
India hosted the summit under the theme:
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The theme reflected India's focus on strengthening BRICS cooperation through practical initiatives, innovation, sustainable development and resilience.
New Delhi Declaration
One of the main outcomes of the summit was the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration.
The declaration reaffirmed the BRICS commitment to mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, inclusiveness, cooperation and consensus. It also outlined priorities for political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The declaration placed particular emphasis on strengthening multilateralism and increasing the participation and representation of emerging markets and developing countries in global decision-making.
Major Outcomes and Discussion Areas
1. Global Governance Reform
Global governance and multilateralism were major areas of discussion. BRICS leaders reiterated their support for reforming international institutions so that they better reflect contemporary global realities.
The declaration also reiterated support for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the UN Security Council, with greater representation for developing countries.
2. Economic and Financial Cooperation
Economic and financial cooperation remained a central part of the BRICS agenda. Members discussed ways to deepen practical economic cooperation and strengthen trade, investment and financial connectivity.
The declaration also noted continued work relating to cross-border payment mechanisms and the use of national currencies in international transactions, while recognising individual countries’ national circumstances.
3. Science, Technology and Innovation
Science, Technology and Innovation were highlighted as important drivers of sustainable economic and social development.
BRICS cooperation includes thematic science and technology working groups, research collaboration and knowledge sharing. The declaration also noted cooperation in emerging areas such as quantum technologies.
4. Digital Cooperation and Cybersecurity
The summit also addressed challenges associated with the digital environment, including cybercrime, data security, malicious software, misinformation, disinformation and deepfakes.
BRICS members supported greater cooperation on information and communication technologies and the development of more inclusive, accessible and interoperable digital systems.
5. Sustainable Development
Sustainable development was one of the key priorities of India's BRICS chairship.
The summit connected sustainable development with resilience, innovation and inclusive economic growth, reflecting the broader theme of India's presidency.
6. Business and Entrepreneurship
Business cooperation was another important component of India's BRICS chairship. Business forums and related platforms encouraged interaction among companies and entrepreneurs from BRICS countries.
The declaration also welcomed initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs and greater participation of women in economic activity.
7. People-to-People and Academic Cooperation
BRICS cooperation also extends beyond governments. The 2026 programme included engagements involving youth, women, academics, think tanks, civil society and business communities.
The New Delhi Declaration welcomed the outcomes of BRICS academic, civil society, think tank and other people-to-people forums.
India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026
India's 2026 chairship involved an extensive programme of BRICS activities across the country.
According to the New Delhi Declaration, more than 400 meetings and engagements were held in 30 cities across India at the level of ministers, parliamentarians, heads of agencies, officials, experts, businesses and people.
The chairship focused on strengthening collective resilience, promoting innovation-driven economic growth, advancing sustainable development, deepening people-to-people exchanges and amplifying the voice of BRICS in global governance.
BRICS and the Global South
The role of emerging markets and developing countries was a recurring theme during the summit.
The New Delhi Declaration called for greater and more meaningful participation of emerging markets and developing countries in global decision-making processes and international institutions.
BRICS also continued to present itself as a platform for cooperation on issues affecting the Global South, including development, international finance, technology, climate change and global governance.
China to Chair BRICS in 2027
The 2026 summit concluded with support for China's BRICS chairship in 2027.
The New Delhi Declaration states that BRICS members extended full support to China for its chairship and for hosting the 19th BRICS Summit in China.
Key Takeaways
- The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026.
- India hosted the summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Leaders adopted the New Delhi BRICS Leaders’ Declaration.
- Global governance reform and multilateralism were major areas of discussion.
- Economic and financial cooperation remained central to the BRICS agenda.
- Science, technology, innovation and digital cooperation received significant attention.
- Sustainable development and resilience were key priorities.
- More than 400 BRICS meetings and engagements were held across 30 cities in India during the 2026 chairship.
- China will chair BRICS in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the BRICS Summit 2026 held?
The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, from September 12 to 13, 2026.
What was the theme of the BRICS Summit 2026?
The theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Where was the 2026 BRICS Summit held?
The summit was held in New Delhi, India.
What was the New Delhi Declaration?
The New Delhi Declaration was the leaders’ declaration adopted at the 18th BRICS Summit. It outlined shared priorities and cooperation across political, economic, technological, developmental and people-to-people areas.
How many BRICS meetings were held during India's 2026 chairship?
More than 400 meetings and engagements were held in 30 cities across India under the BRICS cooperation framework.
Who will chair BRICS in 2027?
China will chair BRICS in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit.
Conclusion
The 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi marked another stage in the development of BRICS cooperation. India's chairship focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability while expanding engagement across economic, technological, developmental and people-to-people areas.
The New Delhi Declaration highlighted the group's continued focus on multilateralism, sustainable development, economic cooperation, technology and greater participation of emerging and developing countries in global decision-making.
With China taking over the BRICS chairship in 2027, the next phase will focus on continuing the cooperation and initiatives developed during India's presidency.