BRICS Summit 2026: Date, Venue, Members, Theme, Agenda & India’s Role
BRICS Summit 2026 will bring global attention to New Delhi as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on 12–13 September 2026. The summit will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries along with outreach invitees to discuss cooperation on shared priorities and important regional and global issues.
India assumed the BRICS Chairship on 1 January 2026, making this year’s summit particularly important for the country. The year also marks 20 years of BRICS, giving the 2026 summit additional significance.
India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” with a people-centric approach based on the principle of “Humanity First.”
For people searching for information about the BRICS Summit 2026, this guide covers the date, venue, BRICS countries, theme, agenda, India’s role, and what travelers can expect in Delhi during the summit.
Event Details
BRICS Summit 2026 Date and Venue
The BRICS Summit 2026 is scheduled for:
Date
12–13 September 2026
Venue
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The event is being hosted as part of India’s fourth BRICS chairmanship. India previously chaired BRICS in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
The summit follows a year-long program of ministerial meetings, business events, diplomatic engagements, and other BRICS activities held across India.
350+
Meetings and high-level engagements
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have been held across more than 25 Indian cities under India’s 2026 Chairship.
Understanding BRICS
What Is BRICS?
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that provides a platform for cooperation and dialogue on economic, financial, political, development, and international issues.
The Original BRICS Acronym
B
Brazil
R
Russia
I
India
C
China
S
South Africa
The group has expanded significantly since its early years. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became full members in 2024, while Indonesia joined as a full member in 2025. BRICS also has partner countries.
From Original Five to an Expanded Group
The expanded structure means that modern BRICS is considerably larger and more diverse than the original five-country grouping.
Membership
BRICS Countries and Members in 2026
The full BRICS membership has expanded to include:
01 Brazil
02 Russia
03 India
04 China
05 South Africa
06 Egypt
07 Ethiopia
08 Iran
09 United Arab Emirates
10. Indonesia
11. Saudi Arabia
Important Distinction
However, participation in the summit can also involve partner countries and outreach invitees, so the countries present at the event should not be confused with full BRICS membership.
For the most accurate participant information, travelers and readers should refer to official updates as the summit approaches.
Global Significance
Why Is BRICS Summit 2026 Important?
The BRICS Summit 2026 is important because the grouping has become a significant platform for emerging economies and Global South cooperation.
Key Areas of Discussion
01 Economic cooperation
02 Trade and investment
03 Financial cooperation
04 Technology and innovation
05 Sustainable development
06 Energy
07 Climate-related challenges
08 Food security
09 Global governance
10. Political and security cooperation
Three Broad Pillars of BRICS Cooperation
01
Political & Security
Political dialogue, security cooperation, and international issues.
02
Economic & Financial
Economic cooperation, trade, investment, and financial cooperation.
03
Cultural & People-to-People
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people cooperation.
BRICS cooperation operates across three broad pillars: political and security; economic and financial; and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. India’s 2026 Chairship has continued work across these areas.
India’s BRICS Chairship
BRICS 2026 Theme
The official theme of India’s BRICS Chairship is
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability”
The theme reflects four major areas of focus.
01 / RESILIENCE
Resilience
Countries are increasingly focused on making economies, supply chains, and development systems more resilient to global disruptions.
02 / INNOVATION
Innovation
Technology, digital systems, and innovation are important parts of modern economic development and international cooperation.
03 / COOPERATION
Cooperation
BRICS provides a platform for countries to identify areas of common interest and work together despite differences in their economies and political systems.
04 / SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability
Climate, energy, food security, and sustainable development are important issues for many BRICS members and partner countries.
People-Centric Approach
“Humanity First”
India has described its 2026 Chairship as people-centric and rooted in the principle of “Humanity First.”
Summit Priorities
BRICS Summit 2026 Agenda
The exact outcomes of the leaders’ summit will only be known after discussions take place. However, the wider BRICS process under India’s chairmanship provides an indication of the major areas being discussed.
Expected Areas of Focus
Likely areas of focus include:
01 Economic and Financial Cooperation
BRICS countries are expected to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, and financial engagement.
02 Global Governance
Reform of international institutions and greater representation for developing and emerging economies remain important themes in BRICS discussions.
03 Technology and Innovation
Digital transformation, emerging technologies, and innovation are increasingly relevant to economic development.
04 Sustainability and Climate
Sustainable development, energy cooperation, and climate-related challenges are expected to remain important areas of discussion.
05 Food and Energy Security
Food supply chains, agricultural cooperation, and energy security are also relevant to the wider BRICS agenda.
06 Political and Security Issues
Leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
India & BRICS 2026
India’s Role in BRICS Summit 2026
India’s Dual Role
Chairing BRICS + Hosting the Summit
India’s role is particularly important because it is not simply hosting the summit; it is also chairing BRICS throughout 2026.
India assumed the chairship on 1 January and has been coordinating a large program of meetings and engagements throughout the year.
04
India’s Fourth BRICS Chairship
The 2026 Chairship follows India’s earlier chairships in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
Hosting the leaders’ summit in New Delhi provides India with an opportunity to bring together major emerging economies while highlighting its role in international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
A Historic Milestone
BRICS@20
Why 2026 Is Special
Another major reason the BRICS Summit 2026 is attracting attention is the 20-year milestone.
The formal BRICS grouping developed from the earlier BRIC framework. The first BRIC Summit was held in 2009, while the grouping itself evolved through earlier ministerial-level cooperation.
South Africa joined the grouping in 2011, creating BRICS in its familiar form. The group subsequently expanded further in 2024 and 2025.
2009
First BRIC Summit
2011
South Africa joins.
2024
Further membership expansion
2025
Further expansion
India’s 2026 chairship therefore comes at an important stage in BRICS’ development as the group adapts to its expanded membership.
Delhi Travel & Mobility
BRICS Summit 2026 and New Delhi
For Delhi residents and travelers, the summit is important for another reason: transportation and traffic management.
Summit Venue
Bharat Mandapam
Pragati Maidan area, Central Delhi
International delegations, security teams, and official convoys will require coordinated movement between the summit venue, hotels, airports, and other locations.
For Commuters
Plan journeys carefully around summit-related movements.
Recent preparations have already included traffic and security rehearsals. Authorities have advised commuters to monitor traffic updates and plan journeys carefully around summit-related movements.
Travel Takeaway
Travelers visiting central Delhi during the summit period should allow additional journey time and stay updated on traffic arrangements.
Delhi Travel Guide
BRICS Summit 2026 Delhi Travel Tips
If you are visiting Delhi around 12–13 September 2026, advance planning can make your journey easier.
01 / BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Check Traffic Updates
Traffic restrictions can change according to delegation movements and security requirements. Check the latest advisory before starting your journey.
02 / JOURNEY PLANNING
Allow Extra Travel Time
Airport transfers, railway station journeys, and business meetings should include additional time.
03 / PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Consider the Delhi Metro.
For many journeys, Metro services can be a useful alternative when road traffic is affected.
04 / AIRPORT
Plan Airport Transfers Early
If you have a flight during the summit period, avoid leaving your hotel at the last minute. Consider the location of your hotel, airport terminal, and possible traffic restrictions.
05 / FLEXIBILITY
Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
Tourists and business travelers should avoid scheduling multiple important appointments with very short gaps between them.
Corporate Mobility
BRICS Summit 2026 for Business Travelers
The summit period may also be important for corporate travelers visiting New Delhi.
Common Corporate Travel Requirements
01 Meetings
02 Conferences
03 Business events
04 Client visits
05 Airport transfers
06 Hotel transfers
07 Corporate travel
Companies managing transportation for international visitors should share hotel, airport, and meeting details with their transportation provider in advance.
Corporate Transportation
Chauffeur-Driven Travel
A chauffeur-driven car can be useful for business travelers who need transportation between multiple locations during a busy schedule.
Important
However, private vehicles must still follow all traffic restrictions, diversions, and security instructions issued by authorities.
Explore Delhi
Places to Visit in Delhi During the Summit
Visitors who have free time during their Delhi trip can explore several major attractions, subject to local traffic and security conditions.
01
India Gate
02
Connaught Place
03
Humayun’s Tomb
04
Qutub Minar
05
Lodhi Garden
06
Red Fort
07
National Museum
Travel Advisory
Because the summit is taking place in central Delhi, travelers should check current restrictions before visiting areas near the summit venue or official movement routes.
BRICS SUMMIT 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about the 18th BRICS Summit.
01 · DATE
When is the BRICS Summit 2026?
The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled for 12–13 September 2026 in New Delhi.
02 · VENUE
Where will the BRICS Summit 2026 be held?
The summit will take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
03 · HOST COUNTRY
Which country is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026?
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit and is also the BRICS Chair for 2026.
04 · THEME
What is the BRICS 2026 theme?
“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.”
05 · IMPORTANCE
Why is the BRICS Summit 2026 important?
The summit is important because India is chairing BRICS, the grouping has expanded significantly, and 2026 marks 20 years of BRICS.
06 · DELHI TRAFFIC
Will the BRICS Summit 2026 affect Delhi traffic?
Traffic management and security arrangements are expected to affect parts of Delhi during the summit period. Travelers should check the latest official advisories before traveling.
FINAL BRIEFING
Final Thoughts
The BRICS Summit 2026 will be an important international event for India and New Delhi. Scheduled for 12–13 September at Bharat Mandapam, the summit comes during India’s fourth BRICS Chairship and the 20-year milestone of the grouping.
For India, the summit represents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with BRICS members and partner countries while discussing economic, financial, technological, sustainability, and global governance issues.
TRAVEL NOTE
For Delhi residents, tourists, and business travelers, the summit also makes travel planning particularly important. Traffic restrictions, security arrangements, and official movements may affect journey times around the capital.
If you are traveling to Delhi during the summit, check traffic updates, allow extra time for airport and hotel transfers, and keep your itinerary flexible.
FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS
For business travelers and companies managing multiple journeys during the event period, professionally managed chauffeur-driven transportation can make airport transfers, hotel movements, and business travel easier to coordinate.
