India Invites Russia to 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, 2026
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
India has formally invited Russia to the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi, as part of its 2026 chairmanship. This invitation underscores India's role in steering the bloc's agenda and maintaining strong bilateral ties with Russia amid global geopolitical shifts.
Background
BRICS is an intergovernmental organization comprising major emerging economies. Originally founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, it expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. India assumed the rotating chairmanship of BRICS for 2026, hosting the summit in New Delhi.
Key facts
India has formally invited Russia to the 18th BRICS Summit.
The summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.
India is the chair of BRICS for 2026.
The BRICS bloc currently has 11 member countries.
The invitation was confirmed by a government source cited by Russian news agency TASS.
The summit will include leaders from member nations and outreach partners.
Prelims pointers
- BRICS: intergovernmental organization of emerging economies.
- Current members (11): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and others (as of 2026).
- India's chairmanship year: 2026.
- 18th BRICS Summit: New Delhi, September 12-13, 2026.
- Russia is a founding member of BRICS.
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of India's chairmanship of BRICS in 2026 for global south cooperation.
- Examine the role of BRICS in reshaping global governance and India's strategic interests.
- Analyze India-Russia relations in the context of BRICS and changing geopolitical dynamics.