India to lead BRICS presidency in 2026 with focus on SMEs

India is set to assume the BRICS presidency in 2026, marking its first leadership term following the bloc's expansion to 11 members. The group, which originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has recently grown to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with additional partner nations.

Under India’s leadership, the alliance is expected to shift its strategic focus toward small and medium enterprises (SMEs) rather than concentrating primarily on large conglomerates. While China and Russia continue to dominate trade within the bloc, BRICS is increasingly facilitating alternative bilateral trade routes between robust markets and India, serving as a strategic tool for maintaining economic ties amid global geopolitical tensions.