The 18th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, has become a focal point of global diplomatic attention as leaders from across the BRICS nations convene to discuss trade, cooperation, and an expanded role for the grouping on the world stage.
A defining theme emerging from the summit's accompanying business forum was the call for 'balanced trade' — a phrase repeated by multiple speakers as a rallying cry against what many member nations describe as long-standing imbalances in international commerce. Delegates argued that the current global trade architecture, dominated by Western-led institutions, has often favoured advanced economies at the expense of developing nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office confirmed that several bilateral meetings were held during the two-day event, including discussions with heads of state from Brazil, Russia, South Africa, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates — the full roster of the expanded BRICS bloc. Officials did not release detailed outcomes of individual talks but described the tone as constructive and forward-looking.
The business forum, held parallel to the main summit, brought together entrepreneurs, chamber of commerce leaders, and policy advisers from member countries. Panel discussions centred on reducing dependency on the US dollar for trade settlements, expanding intra-BRICS currency arrangements, and creating new payment corridors that bypass traditional Western financial infrastructure.
Analysts note that India's decision to host the 2026 summit carries added significance given its recent presidency of the G20 and its growing ambition to position itself as a voice for the Global South. The emphasis on balanced trade aligns closely with New Delhi's long-standing diplomatic stance on reforming global economic governance.
The summit is expected to conclude with a joint declaration outlining shared priorities on trade facilitation, digital economy cooperation, and sustainable development — though details of the final document have not yet been made public.
