India to Redefine BRICS Leadership in 2026 with Focus on Innovation, Sustainability, and Global South

As India prepares to assume the presidency of BRICS in 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced plans to reshape the multilateral grouping with a renewed focus on resilience, innovation, and global cooperation. Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to giving BRICS a “new form” under its leadership.

“Under India’s BRICS presidency, we will redefine BRICS as ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’. Just as we prioritized the Global South during our G20 presidency, our BRICS agenda will center on people-centric development and a ‘humanity-first’ approach,” said Prime Minister Modi during a session on Environment, COP30, and Global Health.

Key Priorities for India’s BRICS Presidency:

• Strengthening global economic recovery in the post-pandemic era
• Enhancing South-South cooperation
• Promoting inclusive AI governance
• Expanding collaboration in digital tech, healthcare, space, and critical minerals

Highlighting the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, PM Modi remarked:

“Viruses don’t carry visas, and solutions aren’t limited by borders. The only effective response to global challenges is collective effort.”

India’s Stance on Artificial Intelligence

During a separate BRICS session, the Indian Prime Minister shared New Delhi’s vision for AI governance:

“India views AI as a force to empower humanity. Guided by our motto ‘AI for All’, we are deploying AI across multiple sectors. Both innovation and regulation must go hand in hand to ensure safe and inclusive AI development.”

India has already launched initiatives to integrate AI in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services, making it a model for responsible AI implementation in developing nations.

Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines

On the summit’s sidelines, PM Modi held several high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders, including:

• President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (Cuba)
• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Malaysia)
• President Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay)
• President Luis Arce (Bolivia)

During these meetings, discussions revolved around boosting trade diversification and cooperation in sectors such as digital innovation, space exploration, and sustainable resource development.

“We emphasized the need to strengthen trade ties and deepen strategic collaboration. I also extended warm wishes to Bolivia on its bicentennial celebration of independence,” PM Modi added.

Upcoming Brazil State Visit

Following the conclusion of the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Modi will begin a state visit to Brazil on July 8, 2025, where he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. The visit is expected to conclude with the signing of several key agreements aimed at boosting India-Brazil strategic partnership.