India Takes Over BRICS Chair for 2026 as Bloc Marks Two Decades
India assumes its fourth BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, as the bloc completes 20 years since its founding in 2006.
India has formally assumed the rotating chairmanship of BRICS for 2026, beginning its fourth tenure at the helm of the intergovernmental grouping on January 1. The development places New Delhi at the centre of the bloc's agenda for the coming year, with the annual summit expected to be a key fixture on its diplomatic calendar.
The 2026 chairmanship carries added significance as BRICS marks two decades since its establishment in 2006. Over these twenty years, the grouping — of which India is a founding member — has evolved from a conceptual framework into a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies.
India's previous stints as chair came in 2012, 2016, and 2021. With this fourth term, New Delhi will be tasked with steering discussions on the bloc's priorities, coordinating ministerial meetings, and hosting the leaders' summit later in the year.
The anniversary provides an opportunity for member states to reflect on the grouping's trajectory and chart its future direction. As chair, India is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping those conversations, balancing continuity with the need to address contemporary global challenges.