India's Assumption and Activation of the 2026 BRICS Chairmanship: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc details India's strategic transition into the 2026 BRICS Chairmanship, a role it formally assumed on January 1, 2026. The journey began in April 2025 with the confirmation of India's host status, followed by a deliberate strategy to champion the 'Global South' and reform international institutions like the UN and WTO. As the incoming chair, India utilized the 80th UN General Assembly in late 2025 to set a multilateral agenda. Under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' India is now positioning itself as a bridge between a protectionist West and an emerging, expanded BRICS bloc, securing key support from allies like Russia for its counter-terrorism and digital public infrastructure (DPI) priorities.

How This Story Evolved

India confirmed as 2026 host (Apr 2025) → Formulates strategy (July 2025) → Acts as incoming chair at UNGA (Sept 2025) → Outlines roadmap (Jan 2026) → Formally assumes Chairmanship (Jan 2026) → Confirms Summit details (Feb 2026) → Receives Russian support (Feb 2026)

1. 2025-04-21: India to hold BRICS 2026 presidency
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to hold BRICS 2026 presidency.

   Key Facts:

   • India will hold BRICS 2026 presidency.
   • India invited Brics nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025.
2. 2025-07-16: India's BRICS 2026 Presidency Strategy
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to focus on Global South during BRICS 2026 presidency.

   Key Facts:

   • Event: BRICS 2026 summit
   • Host: India
   • Focus: Global South countries, Latin America, South-South cooperation
   • Goal: Reform international institutions (UN, WTO)
3. 2025-09-29: BRICS Foreign Ministers emphasize multilateralism at UNGA
   More details

   UPSC Angle: BRICS Foreign Ministers emphasized multilateralism at UNGA under India's chair.

   Key Facts:

   • Meeting held on September 26, 2025
   • Chaired by India as incoming BRICS Chair for 2026
   • Convened on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80)
   • Reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and upholding international law
   • Exchanged views on global and regional issues, as well as intra-BRICS cooperation
   • S. Jaishankar addressed the UN General Assembly
   • Called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and Gaza
   • Emphasized India's determination to protect its people from terrorism
   • Called on BRICS to defend the multilateral trading system
   • Addressed the meeting of the Bloc's Foreign Ministers in New York
4. 2026-01-14: India outlines BRICS roadmap amid global trade uncertainties
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India outlines BRICS roadmap emphasizing South-South cooperation and strategic autonomy.

   Key Facts:

   • BRICS relevance
   • South-South cooperation
   • India's strategic autonomy
   • impact of protectionism
   • BRICS objectives
   • members
   • NDB
5. 2026-01-18: India Assumes BRICS Chairmanship for 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India assumes BRICS chairmanship for 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.
   • India's BRICS presidency begins January 1, 2026.
   • The summit is expected to take place in August or September 2026 in New Delhi.
   • India plans to host ministerial, working group, and sherpa meetings across various cities.
   • The summit will focus on economic cooperation, technology, climate action, and global development.
   • India's BRICS chairmanship is structured around four pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Environmental Stability/Sustainability.
   • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026.
   • The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026.
   • India's chairmanship focuses on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Environmental Stability.
   • The logo for BRICS 2026 symbolizes inclusivity, dialogue, and shared growth.
   • The theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
   • The Indian External Affairs Minister unveiled the logo and theme on January 13, 2026.
6. 2026-01-24: India's Foreign Policy Challenges in 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's foreign policy challenges include US tariffs and China-Pakistan alliance.

   Key Facts:

   • India hosts the AI Impact Summit and takes on the rotating BRICS presidency in 2026.
   • Visits are expected from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
   • President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods.
   • Sergio Gor is the new US ambassador to India.
7. 2026-02-04: India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026
   • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026
   • Theme for India's Chairship: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
   • BRICS members include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates
   • Logo features a lotus with petals representing BRICS member countries
8. 2026-02-05: Russia Supports India's BRICS Agenda
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Russia supports India's BRICS agenda.

   Key Facts:

   • India officially assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026.
   • India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
   • India will chair BRICS for the fourth time in 2026, having previously held the Chairship in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
9. 2026-02-13: India outlines priorities for 2026 BRICS Chairship
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India outlines priorities for 2026 BRICS Chairship.

   Key Facts:

   • India's BRICS Chairship 2026
   • Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
   • first Sherpas' meeting in New Delhi from 9 to 10 February
   • Sudhakar Dalela, India's BRICS Sherpa
   • Secretary (Economic Relations)
   • Shambhu L. Hakki
   • Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations)
10. 2026-02-14: India Hosts First BRICS Sherpa Meeting 2026
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India hosted first BRICS Sherpa Meeting 2026 as part of chairmanship.

    Key Facts:

    • India hosted first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi
    • India's 2026 chairmanship of BRICS
    • Cooperation across health, agriculture, labour, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and economic and financial domains
    • Meeting was chaired by Sudhakar Dalela and Shambhu L. Hakki
    • Theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
    • Priorities include health, agriculture, labour, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and economic and financial domains
11. 2026-02-18: India's BRICS 2026 Presidency Aims to Redefine Bloc's Focus
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's BRICS 2026 Presidency aims to redefine bloc's focus.

    Key Facts:

    • India is the rotational president of BRICS for 2026.
    • India's Sherpas met in New Delhi on February 10 and 11 to begin preparations for the summit.
    • Prime Minister Modi proposed redefining BRICS as 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability'.
    • India is focusing on consolidating the enhanced membership of BRICS.
12. 2026-02-19: BRICS Expansion and the Global South
    More details

    UPSC Angle: BRICS expansion and the Global South.

    Key Facts:

    • BRICS has expanded to include Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.
    • Indonesia's inclusion expands BRICS' geographical reach into Southeast Asia.

Genesis

Trigger

India was officially reiterated as the host for the 2026 BRICS presidency during agricultural and food security declarations on April 21, 2025.

Why Now

The rotating chairmanship followed Brazil's 2025 term, coinciding with India's push to solidify its role as a leader of the Global South and a mediator in a fragmented global trade environment.

Historical Context

India previously held the BRICS Chairmanship in 2012 (4th Summit), 2016 (8th Summit), and 2021 (13th Summit). The 2026 term marks its first presidency since the major membership expansion.

Key Turning Points

1. [2025-09-26] India chairs the BRICS Foreign Ministers meeting at the 80th UNGA

   It marked India's first active leadership role as the 'incoming chair,' setting the tone for multilateralism before the formal term began.

   Before: India was a participant in Brazil's agenda. After: India began driving the group's stance on global peace and security.

2. [2026-01-01] Official commencement of India’s BRICS Chairmanship

   The transition from planning to execution, moving the focus to the 'Building for Resilience' theme.

   Before: Strategic formulation and roadmap drafting. After: Activation of ministerial and Sherpa working groups.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE)
• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
• New Development Bank (NDB)
• World Trade Organization (WTO)

Key Concepts

Strategic Autonomy

A foreign policy objective where a state makes decisions based on national interest without being forced into alliances or dictated to by other powers.

Current Fact: India outlined its BRICS roadmap on January 14, 2026, specifically emphasizing strategic autonomy amid US-India trade tensions.

South-South Cooperation

The exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries in the Global South to promote collective self-reliance.

Current Fact: India's July 2025 strategy focuses on Latin American countries for critical minerals and market opportunities under this framework.

Multilateralism Reform

The push to restructure international organizations like the UNSC and WTO to reflect current global realities rather than the post-WWII order.

Current Fact: India's chairmanship priorities include reforming global governance to better support the 'Global South' as stated in the January 18, 2026 update.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

A set of shared digital systems (like Aadhaar or UPI) that provide essential services to citizens and drive economic growth.

Current Fact: Promoting DPI was listed as a core priority for India's 2026 presidency in the January 18, 2026 summary.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of February 5, 2026, India has officially assumed the chair, unveiled its lotus-themed logo, and received formal diplomatic backing from Russia for its agenda.

Likely Next

The 18th BRICS Summit is expected to take place in New Delhi in August or September 2026, preceded by ministerial and Sherpa meetings across various Indian cities.

Wildcards

The 50% tariff imposition by US President Donald Trump could force India to pivot BRICS toward an alternative 'non-dollar' trade settlement system or accelerated South-South trade agreements.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Essay Angles

• The Global South as the new pivot of world politics
• Navigating strategic autonomy in a protectionist era
• Technology as a tool for South-South diplomacy

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Relation of the 'Fortaleza Declaration' to BRICS. — The 2026 summit theme continues the legacy of institutionalizing the bloc started in Fortaleza.
• Objectives of India's G20 Presidency. — Matches the pattern of India using its presidency of major blocs (G20, then BRICS) to push SDGs and green development.

Prelims Angles

• The 2026 BRICS theme: 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'
• Member count in 2026 (11 members including Indonesia as per item [7])
• Historical hosting years: 2012, 2016, 2021, 2026
• Logo design elements: Lotus with petals representing member countries

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Analyze the significance of India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship in the context of rising global protectionism and the quest for strategic autonomy. How does this presidency align with India's aspirations for Global South leadership?

Answer Structure: Intro (India's role as 2026 chair) -> Challenges (US tariffs, China's regional influence) -> Objectives (Governance reform, DPI, Energy security) -> Strategy (Multilateralism, Latin American mineral ties) -> Conclusion (India as a bridge-builder).

Essay Topic: Multilateralism in a Fragmenting World: India’s Role in the Expanded BRICS

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

India's 2026 BRICS presidency is a calculated maneuver to maintain strategic autonomy and leadership of the Global South amidst a direct economic challenge from a protectionist United States.

All Events in This Story (12 items)

1. 2025-04-21 [International Relations] — India to hold BRICS 2026 presidency
   BRICS countries reiterated their commitment to make the global agri-food system fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. The declaration underlined the commitments to food security, climate adaptation, empowerment of women and youth, sustainable fisheries, among others. India invited Brics nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025 as platforms for innovation and global collaboration. India will hold BRICS 2026 presidency.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to hold BRICS 2026 presidency.

   Key Facts:

   • India will hold BRICS 2026 presidency.
   • India invited Brics nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025.
2. 2025-07-16 [International Relations] — India's BRICS 2026 Presidency Strategy
   For the BRICS 2026 summit, where India will be the president, India should focus on the Global South countries for market opportunities, integrate more with Latin American countries for critical minerals, and strengthen South-South cooperation, while reforming international institutions to reflect the present world order.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India to focus on Global South during BRICS 2026 presidency.

   Key Facts:

   • Event: BRICS 2026 summit
   • Host: India
   • Focus: Global South countries, Latin America, South-South cooperation
   • Goal: Reform international institutions (UN, WTO)
3. 2025-09-29 [International Relations] — BRICS Foreign Ministers emphasize multilateralism at UNGA
   On September 26, 2025, the BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs/International Relations convened on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), under India's chairmanship. They reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and discussed global issues, emphasizing the importance of the UN's role in maintaining peace, security, and sustainable development.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: BRICS Foreign Ministers emphasized multilateralism at UNGA under India's chair.

   Key Facts:

   • Meeting held on September 26, 2025
   • Chaired by India as incoming BRICS Chair for 2026
   • Convened on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80)
   • Reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism and upholding international law
   • Exchanged views on global and regional issues, as well as intra-BRICS cooperation
   • S. Jaishankar addressed the UN General Assembly
   • Called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine and Gaza
   • Emphasized India's determination to protect its people from terrorism
   • Called on BRICS to defend the multilateral trading system
   • Addressed the meeting of the Bloc's Foreign Ministers in New York
4. 2026-01-14 [International Relations] — India outlines BRICS roadmap amid global trade uncertainties
   India has outlined its BRICS roadmap amid global trade uncertainties, emphasizing South-South cooperation and strategic autonomy. This is relevant for UPSC as it touches on international relations, BRICS relevance, and India's strategic objectives within the group.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India outlines BRICS roadmap emphasizing South-South cooperation and strategic autonomy.

   Key Facts:

   • BRICS relevance
   • South-South cooperation
   • India's strategic autonomy
   • impact of protectionism
   • BRICS objectives
   • members
   • NDB
5. 2026-01-18 [International Relations] — India Assumes BRICS Chairmanship for 2026
   India has assumed the BRICS chairmanship from Brazil for 2026, with priorities including reforming global governance, supporting the Global South, promoting digital public infrastructure, and maintaining strategic autonomy. The 18th BRICS Summit will be held in India, with the Indian External Affairs Minister unveiling the logo and theme on January 13, 2026.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India assumes BRICS chairmanship for 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.
   • India's BRICS presidency begins January 1, 2026.
   • The summit is expected to take place in August or September 2026 in New Delhi.
   • India plans to host ministerial, working group, and sherpa meetings across various cities.
   • The summit will focus on economic cooperation, technology, climate action, and global development.
   • India's BRICS chairmanship is structured around four pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Environmental Stability/Sustainability.
   • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026.
   • The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026.
   • India's chairmanship focuses on Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Environmental Stability.
   • The logo for BRICS 2026 symbolizes inclusivity, dialogue, and shared growth.
   • The theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
   • The Indian External Affairs Minister unveiled the logo and theme on January 13, 2026.
6. 2026-01-24 [International Relations] — India's Foreign Policy Challenges in 2026
   In 2026, India's foreign policy faces challenges including strained relations with the US due to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, and concerns over China's alliance with Pakistan and growing influence in Bangladesh. India hosts the AI Impact Summit and assumes the BRICS presidency. Visits from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa are expected.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India's foreign policy challenges include US tariffs and China-Pakistan alliance.

   Key Facts:

   • India hosts the AI Impact Summit and takes on the rotating BRICS presidency in 2026.
   • Visits are expected from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
   • President Donald Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods.
   • Sergio Gor is the new US ambassador to India.
7. 2026-02-04 [International Relations] — India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in 2026
   India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026 as part of its BRICS chairmanship. India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, succeeding Brazil.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in 2026
   • India assumed BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026
   • Theme for India's Chairship: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
   • BRICS members include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates
   • Logo features a lotus with petals representing BRICS member countries
8. 2026-02-05 [International Relations] — Russia Supports India's BRICS Agenda
   Russia will actively support India's chairmanship of BRICS and its current agenda, which focusses on counter-terrorism, energy security and emerging technologies, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. India officially assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: Russia supports India's BRICS agenda.

   Key Facts:

   • India officially assumed the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026.
   • India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
   • India will chair BRICS for the fourth time in 2026, having previously held the Chairship in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
9. 2026-02-13 [International Relations] — India outlines priorities for 2026 BRICS Chairship
   India outlined its priorities for the 2026 BRICS Chairship, emphasizing resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. The first Sherpas' meeting was held in New Delhi from February 9-10, marking the start of India's stewardship.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: India outlines priorities for 2026 BRICS Chairship.

   Key Facts:

   • India's BRICS Chairship 2026
   • Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
   • first Sherpas' meeting in New Delhi from 9 to 10 February
   • Sudhakar Dalela, India's BRICS Sherpa
   • Secretary (Economic Relations)
   • Shambhu L. Hakki
   • Joint Secretary (Multilateral Economic Relations)
10. 2026-02-14 [International Relations] — India Hosts First BRICS Sherpa Meeting 2026
    India hosted the first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi as part of its 2026 chairmanship, chaired by Sudhakar Dalela and Shambhu L. Hakki. The meeting included senior officials from BRICS member and partner countries and focused on cooperation across sectors like health, agriculture, climate change, and security under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The meeting laid the foundation for India's 2026 BRICS agenda.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India hosted first BRICS Sherpa Meeting 2026 as part of chairmanship.

    Key Facts:

    • India hosted first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting in New Delhi
    • India's 2026 chairmanship of BRICS
    • Cooperation across health, agriculture, labour, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and economic and financial domains
    • Meeting was chaired by Sudhakar Dalela and Shambhu L. Hakki
    • Theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
    • Priorities include health, agriculture, labour, disaster risk reduction, climate change, energy, innovation, ICT, security and economic and financial domains
11. 2026-02-18 [International Relations] — India's BRICS 2026 Presidency Aims to Redefine Bloc's Focus
    India has begun preparations for the BRICS annual summit, which it will host in 2026 as the rotational president. India aims to redefine BRICS, focusing on 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability'. India has stated that no new members are being considered during its presidency, focusing on consolidation.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: India's BRICS 2026 Presidency aims to redefine bloc's focus.

    Key Facts:

    • India is the rotational president of BRICS for 2026.
    • India's Sherpas met in New Delhi on February 10 and 11 to begin preparations for the summit.
    • Prime Minister Modi proposed redefining BRICS as 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability'.
    • India is focusing on consolidating the enhanced membership of BRICS.
12. 2026-02-19 [International Relations] — BRICS Expansion and the Global South
    The expanding role of BRICS, with the inclusion of countries like Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Iran, signifies a shift towards a Global South-driven framework. Indonesia's inclusion is particularly consequential, bringing legitimacy and strategic weight to BRICS, expanding the group's reach into Southeast Asia. BRICS is evolving into a strategic platform seeking to reform global governance and challenge the dominance of Western-led institutions.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: BRICS expansion and the Global South.

    Key Facts:

    • BRICS has expanded to include Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran.
    • Indonesia's inclusion expands BRICS' geographical reach into Southeast Asia.