India to host expanded 10-member BRICS Summit in 2026

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026, marking the first time the group operates under its expanded 10-member format. The bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India aims to position itself as a strategic bridge-builder, maintaining neutrality between Western powers and members like China and Russia.

Key challenges for the presidency include managing internal divergences regarding regional conflicts in West Asia and balancing the interests of members like Iran and the UAE. India has opted to pause further expansion to focus on integrating new members into the institutional framework. A major focus of the summit will be championing the Global South by promoting digital technology and alternative financial architectures.

While the group faces difficulties reaching consensus on geopolitical issues such as Ukraine or Iran, there is movement toward financial insulation. Rather than a unified