India Prepares to Host 18th BRICS Summit Amid Shifting Global Dynamics

New Delhi: As the global geopolitical landscape undergoes a significant transformation, India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13. This marks the fourth time the nation has served as the chair for the influential bloc. Under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the summit convenes at a critical juncture defined by escalating military conflicts, persistent trade disputes, and the realignment of long-standing strategic partnerships.

Once characterized by some Western leaders as a peripheral grouping, BRICS has effectively defied expectations to become a central pillar of international affairs. As the world grows increasingly fragmented, the alliance is cementing its position as a powerhouse of the Global South.

A Shift in Global Economic Gravity

The economic trajectory of BRICS has been nothing short of transformative. When the bloc was founded in 2006—initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China—it commanded roughly 20.4 per cent of the global economy, a figure less than half the size of the G7’s collective output.

However, two decades of rapid growth and the strategic inclusion of new members have inverted this dynamic. According to IMF data from April 2026, the BRICS bloc surpassed the G7 in its share of global GDP in 2020. Current estimates suggest that by 2026, BRICS will account for 41 per cent of the world’s economic output, significantly outpacing the G7’s 28 per cent. This widening margin signals a permanent pivot in the global economic balance of power.

The Power Centers of the Bloc

While the BRICS alliance has expanded to 11 nations, the economic engine of the group remains heavily concentrated. India and China together generate approximately 70 per cent of the bloc’s total GDP, with China contributing 48.5 per cent and India accounting for 20.7 per cent. Other influential members like Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia contribute smaller but vital shares to the collective, providing the group with diverse energy and market assets.

A Cornerstone of India’s Trade Strategy

For New Delhi, BRICS has evolved into a fundamental component of its external trade architecture. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, the grouping accounted for 22 per cent of India’s exports and 41 per cent of its total imports.

China continues to be India’s largest individual trading partner, while Russia’s strategic importance has surged, driven primarily by India’s robust intake of discounted crude oil. The trade flow within the bloc is notably concentrated: China, the UAE, and Russia facilitate the vast majority of India’s interaction with the group. Notably, the UAE has emerged as a powerhouse for Indian exports, particularly in the sectors of precious stones, pearls, and jewelry.

Beyond Economics: The Human Bridge

The significance of BRICS extends well into the social and demographic sphere. Of the 3.73 crore Indians living abroad, nearly 90 lakh reside within the borders of BRICS member nations. The Gulf countries—UAE and Saudi Arabia—host the largest concentration, with a combined population of over 70 lakh Indian expatriates.

As the 18th Summit commences in New Delhi, the focus will remain on how this coalition can leverage its growing economic might and demographic reach to stabilize a volatile world. By fostering cooperation, the bloc is positioning itself not just as a trade partnership, but as a defining voice for the emerging world order, granting India a pivotal platform to project its strategic interests on the global stage.

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