BRICS 2026: India Unveils Lotus Logo and Summit Theme Ahead of Delhi Meet
India has unveiled the logo and theme for the 18th BRICS Summit, to be held in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, as world leaders prepare to gather.
India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, with leaders and delegates from member nations expected to attend. The gathering will mark India's fourth stint as chair of the grouping, having previously led it in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
Theme and Vision
The summit's official theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The Ministry of External Affairs said the theme draws on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Humanity First and People-centric" development, placing human welfare at the centre of the bloc's agenda.
The Logo
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar unveiled the summit logo on January 13, 2026, in New Delhi. Chosen through a public design contest, it features India's national flower, the lotus, with a "Namaste" salutation at its centre.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the lotus represents resilience and harmony, while petals rendered in the colours of every BRICS nation stand for diversity, equality, collective strength and unity. The "Namaste" gesture conveys warmth, inclusivity, respect and harmonious collaboration. Together, the elements reflect the summit's theme of cooperation and shared growth.
What is BRICS?
BRICS is a grouping of eleven major emerging markets and developing economies: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The acronym originally stood for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Indonesia joining later. The expanded format took effect from January 1, 2024.
India is a founding member and currently leads the bloc as the 2026 Chair. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the summit.
Focus on China
Attention is also on a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Neither India nor China has confirmed the visit. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun declined to comment on whether Xi would travel to India for the summit.
The summit is seen as significant for India as it brings the country to the same table as China and Russia, offering a platform for consultation and cooperation on pressing global and regional issues as well as matters of international political and economic governance.