In a joint declaration at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, India was appointed Chair of BRICS since January 1, 2026. RISS Leading Expert Vyacheslav Usov contemplates over possible Delhi priorities. He emphasizes India’s wish to use BRICS for promoting interests of the Global South. The analyst underlines that India intends to use national currency when trading internationally.
Summary:
Narendra Modi claimed several key priorities ahead its upcoming BRICS chairship. They are "humanity first" approach, addressing global warming, health security, digitization & AI and combating terrorism.
Brazil and India are two BRICS states that are highly concerned with global warming. Narendra Modi stated that India would reach carbon neutrality by 2070. Both countries are also interested in promoting the Global South. They do not politicize BRICS and act with a focus on the issues, mentioned above, adding a global management organizations (UN, IMF, etc.) reform. As for BRICS financial institutions, India is an active member of the New Development Bank but promotes payments in national currencies.
In accordance with the views of Indian political experts, the state was a key opponent to BRICS expansion. However, India is currently satisfied with the result as its concerns over pro-Chinese bloc within the organization have not came true. Besides, New Dehli and Beijing make slow but steady progress in terms of improving diplomatic ties. It is yet unclear, if both parties can resolve all the political misunderstandings.
The expert also touches upon USA – India cooperation. President Donald Trump tried putting pressure on India however it is not the state for carrying out someone’s orders. The Indians cannot accept such actions. Even the greatest opposition member supports Narednra Modi in terms of his decisions over Americans’ posture. The Indian experts recollect the 1971 India-Pakistan War when the USSR took the side of India and the USA — the side of Pakistan. Therefore, Russia, although being currently not in a good place, is viewed as a traditional and reliable partner.
12.08.2025
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India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship — Priorities
Summary:
Narendra Modi claimed several key priorities ahead its upcoming BRICS chairship. They are "humanity first" approach, addressing global warming, health security, digitization & AI and combating terrorism.
Brazil and India are two BRICS states that are highly concerned with global warming. Narendra Modi stated that India would reach carbon neutrality by 2070. Both countries are also interested in promoting the Global South. They do not politicize BRICS and act with a focus on the issues, mentioned above, adding a global management organizations (UN, IMF, etc.) reform. As for BRICS financial institutions, India is an active member of the New Development Bank but promotes payments in national currencies.
In accordance with the views of Indian political experts, the state was a key opponent to BRICS expansion. However, India is currently satisfied with the result as its concerns over pro-Chinese bloc within the organization have not came true. Besides, New Dehli and Beijing make slow but steady progress in terms of improving diplomatic ties. It is yet unclear, if both parties can resolve all the political misunderstandings.
The expert also touches upon USA – India cooperation. President Donald Trump tried putting pressure on India however it is not the state for carrying out someone’s orders. The Indians cannot accept such actions. Even the greatest opposition member supports Narednra Modi in terms of his decisions over Americans’ posture. The Indian experts recollect the 1971 India-Pakistan War when the USSR took the side of India and the USA — the side of Pakistan. Therefore, Russia, although being currently not in a good place, is viewed as a traditional and reliable partner.