Discover India’s ambitious plans for its 2026 BRICS presidency, focusing on resilience, innovation, and a humanity-first approach for global cooperation.
India is poised to take the helm of the BRICS grouping in 2026, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already laid out an ambitious vision for its future. This isn’t just about a change in leadership; it’s about giving BRICS a “new form,” one that emphasizes “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.” For an Indian audience, this resonates deeply with our nation’s growing global stature and its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.
A “Humanity First” Approach for a Stronger Global South
At the heart of India’s upcoming BRICS presidency is a “humanity first” and “people-centric” approach. This echoes India’s successful G20 presidency, where the concerns of the Global South were brought to the forefront. For us in India, this means:
- Amplifying Our Voice: BRICS provides a powerful platform to advocate for the needs and aspirations of developing nations, ensuring our collective concerns are heard on the global stage.
- Inclusive Growth: The focus will be on fostering development that benefits everyone, addressing critical challenges like food, fuel, fertilizer, and financial crises that many nations, including some in our region, face.
- Shared Prosperity: India aims to build a future where the confidence in progress is shared by all countries, not just the developed ones, fostering a sense of collective growth and self-reliance.
Climate Justice: A Moral Imperative
One of the key pillars of India’s vision for BRICS is climate justice. PM Modi has unequivocally stated that for India, climate justice is not an option, but a moral duty. This perspective is vital for our nation, which is deeply invested in sustainable practices and has already made significant strides in environmental protection.
- Beyond Numbers, Towards Values: While some measure climate action in statistics, India lives it through its ancient values, recognizing the earth as a mother. This cultural ethos guides our approach to environmental stewardship.
- Technology and Finance for All: India believes that true climate action cannot be confined to mere talks. It requires tangible support, including technology transfer and affordable financing for developing countries to implement sustainable solutions. This is crucial for nations like ours, which are balancing development with environmental responsibility.
- Leading by Example: Despite being a rapidly growing economy, India was the first country to achieve its Paris Commitments ahead of schedule and is committed to achieving Net Zero by 2070. Our progress in solar energy, with a 4000% increase in installed capacity over the last decade, showcases our dedication.
Strengthening Global Cooperation and Addressing New Challenges
India’s BRICS presidency will also focus on strengthening multilateralism, economic-financial affairs, and navigating the complexities of Artificial Intelligence.
- Secure Supply Chains: In a world grappling with global supply chain vulnerabilities, especially concerning critical minerals and technology, India will advocate for secure and reliable supply chains, preventing any single nation from weaponizing these resources. This is particularly relevant given recent global events.
- Reforming Global Governance: Recognizing that 20th-century global organizations may not be equipped for 21st-century challenges, India will push for reforms in global governance to ensure greater representation and effectiveness.
- United Against Terrorism: India will continue its unwavering stance against terrorism, calling for concerted global action and emphasizing that there should be no double standards in dealing with this grave threat to humanity. The strong condemnation of recent terror attacks by BRICS leaders underscores this shared commitment.
As India prepares to lead BRICS in 2026, the focus will be on transforming the grouping into a practical engine for development, with a strong emphasis on projects that benefit the Global South. This leadership role will further solidify India’s position as a responsible and proactive global player, working towards a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for all.
