India, as the chair of Brics in 2026, has positioned itself to steer the ten-nation grouping toward a more inclusive, people-centric, and results-oriented agenda, focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlined these priorities on Tuesday while unveiling the official logo, theme, and website for Brics 2026, emphasizing that the grouping must serve as a constructive platform for dialogue and development amid a complex and evolving global landscape.

Jaishankar’s address came at a time when Brics is increasingly viewed as a key voice for developing economies and the Global South, especially as debates around global economic governance and geopolitical realignments intensify. The minister highlighted that the world is navigating a host of interlinked challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, economic disruptions, climate-related risks, technological transformations, and persistent development gaps. In this context, he argued, Brics has a vital role to play in promoting cooperation and finding practical solutions to shared problems.

“At a time when the world is also navigating multiple complex challenges, the call for a reinvigorated, inclusive, and effective multilateral order has never been more urgent,” Jaishankar said. “Brics must commit to a reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary realities—one where institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank are representative and inclusive.”

Jaishankar stressed that India’s chairship of Brics will be guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and consensus, ensuring that the grouping’s actions remain practical, inclusive, and people-centered. “India sees Brics as a constructive platform for dialogue and development, complementing the broader multilateral system,” he noted. “Our objective is to make our chairship inclusive, practical, outcome-oriented, and focused on tangible benefits for people.”

Brics at 20: A Platform for Developing Economies

Reflecting on the evolution of Brics, Jaishankar said the grouping has, over the past two decades, become a significant forum for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies. From its initial focus on political dialogue and economic coordination, Brics has expanded its mandate to include financial and institutional collaboration, cultural exchange, and people-to-people partnerships. The grouping has also broadened its membership to adapt to changing global realities, while remaining committed to inclusive, development-driven outcomes.

As India assumes the chairship, its leadership comes under global scrutiny, particularly in the context of growing criticism from the United States, where former President Donald Trump has accused Brics of attempting to undermine the US dollar by promoting the use of national currencies in international trade. Jaishankar addressed these concerns by framing Brics as a complementary rather than confrontational entity, seeking to enhance global governance and support equitable development, rather than challenge existing systems.

“The grouping’s objective is not to replace existing structures but to make them more representative, transparent, and effective,” he said. “Through dialogue, institutional innovation, and collaborative initiatives, Brics aims to strengthen the global framework for cooperation, benefiting all members, particularly developing countries.”

Four Pillars: Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, Sustainability

India has outlined four core priorities for its Brics chairship: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, all of which will be advanced across the grouping’s three pillars—political and security cooperation, economic and financial issues, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Resilience focuses on building institutional and structural capacities to withstand global shocks in critical areas such as agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy, and supply chains. Jaishankar emphasized that strengthening these sectors is essential for ensuring stability and continuity in the face of crises such as pandemics, climate disasters, and economic volatility.

Innovation will serve as a driver of socio-economic development, leveraging emerging technologies to address development challenges in Brics nations. Jaishankar highlighted that advancements in AI, digital infrastructure, biotechnology, and clean energy are crucial to promoting inclusive growth and economic transformation. By fostering research, knowledge-sharing, and technological collaboration, Brics members can create solutions tailored to the unique needs of developing economies.

Cooperation extends beyond economic collaboration to include cultural exchange, educational initiatives, and people-to-people partnerships. Jaishankar emphasized that such cooperation strengthens mutual understanding and trust, providing a platform for joint action in areas ranging from infrastructure development to social welfare programs. The New Development Bank, founded by Brics members, has already become a key instrument of economic cooperation, financing projects that promote infrastructure development, climate adaptation, and sustainable growth.

Finally, sustainability is central to India’s agenda, with an emphasis on climate action, renewable energy, and environmentally responsible development pathways. Brics, Jaishankar said, must lead by example in promoting green infrastructure, carbon reduction strategies, and climate-resilient development, aligning national development goals with global climate commitments.

People-Centric Development and Global Impact

Jaishankar’s vision underscores that Brics’ success is measured not only in economic metrics but in social outcomes. By prioritizing people-centric development, the grouping can break structural inequalities, enhance opportunities for marginalized communities, and create a more equitable global economic system.

“When countries cooperate effectively, they can address common challenges while respecting their sovereignty and national priorities,” Jaishankar said. He added that India’s approach to chairship would ensure that all Brics nations have a voice in setting the agenda, balancing diverse interests and fostering mutual respect.

The minister also highlighted the importance of dialogue and negotiation in building consensus, particularly as the global economy faces headwinds from geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and technological transformations. “Brics must evolve as a platform where emerging markets can collectively respond to global uncertainties, share best practices, and promote sustainable economic development,” he noted.

Looking Ahead: India’s Chairship in 2026

Under India’s leadership, Brics 2026 aims to strengthen institutional frameworks, promote inclusive growth, and leverage innovation for sustainable development. Jaishankar’s outline signals a proactive and pragmatic approach, emphasizing practical outcomes rather than rhetoric, and ensuring that Brics remains a relevant and credible voice on the global stage.

India’s theme for 2026, “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability,” reflects a broader vision: that through collaborative action and mutual support, Brics can tackle shared challenges effectively, enhance the living standards of citizens, and contribute to a reformed and representative global multilateral system.

In sum, Jaishankar presented a roadmap for Brics 2026 that balances developmental priorities, technological innovation, and climate action with the need for inclusive governance and geopolitical cooperation. As the world navigates a period of unprecedented complexity, India’s chairship aims to make Brics a constructive, forward-looking, and outcome-oriented platform for the Global South and emerging economies.