18th BRICS Summit 2026: Date, Venue, Theme, Members and Key Facts

18th BRICS Summit 2026

The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 will be hosted by India in New Delhi from 12-13 September 2026. The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.

The meeting will bring together leaders of BRICS member countries, partner countries and invited outreach countries. India is chairing BRICS in 2026 and has selected the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The summit is important for competitive examinations because questions may be asked about its host country, venue, theme, BRICS membership, India’s chairship priorities and the organisation’s role in global governance.

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18th BRICS Summit 2026: Quick Facts

What Is BRICS?

BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies and developing countries. The name originally came from the first letters of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The group began as BRIC in 2006. South Africa joined in 2010, and the name became BRICS. The grouping later expanded to include additional members from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

BRICS provides a platform for cooperation in areas such as:

• Economic growth and trade
• Finance and development
• Health and education
• Science and technology
• Climate change
• Agriculture and food security
• Energy security
• Counter-terrorism
• Reform of global governance institutions

BRICS is not a military alliance. It is a forum for consultation and cooperation among its member countries.

18th BRICS Summit 2026 Date and Venue

The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 will take place from 12–13 September 2026 in New Delhi, India.

The venue is Bharat Mandapam, an international exhibition and convention centre located at Pragati Maidan. Bharat Mandapam has hosted several major national and international meetings and events.

Important exam facts

• Host country: India
• Host city: New Delhi
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam
• Dates: 12–13 September 2026

Theme of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026

The official theme of India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026 is:

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The theme reflects India’s aim to promote practical cooperation among BRICS countries and place people at the centre of development.

Meaning of the four key ideas

Resilience refers to strengthening the ability of countries and communities to manage crises involving health, food, energy, climate and supply chains.

Innovation highlights the role of technology, digital public infrastructure, research and new solutions for development.

Cooperation focuses on collective action among BRICS countries in trade, finance, science, education and global governance.

Sustainability relates to responsible economic growth, environmental protection, clean energy and climate-sensitive development.

BRICS Member Countries in 2026

As of 2026, BRICS has 10 full member countries:

1. Brazil
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
5. South Africa
6. Egypt
7. Ethiopia
8. Iran
9. United Arab Emirates
10. Indonesia (Latest entrant on Jan. 2025)

Membership note: Saudi Arabia was invited to join BRICS, but its formal membership status remains subject to official confirmation. Therefore, as of 2026, BRICS has 10 confirmed members.

A useful memory aid for the original five members is B-R-I-C-S:

• B: Brazil
• R: Russia
• I: India
• C: China
• S: South Africa

Important note on BRICS expansion

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates became part of the expanded BRICS grouping from 2024. Indonesia joined the grouping in 2025. Therefore, the 2026 BRICS framework includes 10 full members.

BRICS also has partner countries. Full members and partner countries are different categories, so candidates should avoid counting every partner country as a full member.

India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026

India is chairing BRICS in 2026. Its chairship is guided by a people-centric approach and the four broad ideas of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

India’s priorities include strengthening cooperation in the following areas:

1. Reform of global governance

India is expected to emphasise a more representative and inclusive global governance system. This includes discussions on reforming major multilateral institutions so that the voices of developing countries receive greater attention.

2. Digital public infrastructure and technology

Digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, innovation and technology-based development are important areas of India’s agenda. Cooperation in these fields can support financial inclusion, public services and economic growth.

3. Health cooperation

BRICS countries may discuss affordable healthcare, health security, medical research and cooperation during future pandemics or public-health emergencies.

4. Food and energy security

Food availability, stable supply chains, affordable energy and cooperation in agriculture are important for developing economies. These issues are closely connected with resilience and sustainable development.

5. Climate action and sustainability

The sustainability agenda includes climate-resilient development, renewable energy, environmental protection and responsible use of natural resources.

6. Trade and financial cooperation

BRICS members may explore ways to increase trade, investment and financial cooperation among developing countries. The New Development Bank is one of the important institutions connected with BRICS cooperation.

7. People-to-people connections

India’s BRICS programme also places importance on academic, cultural, youth, business and civil-society exchanges. These activities support long-term cooperation beyond government meetings.

BRICS New Development Bank

The New Development Bank, also known as the BRICS Development Bank, was established by BRICS countries to finance infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies.

It was created during the Sixth BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2014. The bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

Exam points about the New Development Bank

• Established by BRICS countries
• Main purpose: infrastructure and sustainable development financing
• Headquarters: Shanghai, China
• First president: K. V. Kamath of India
• First BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement: created to provide financial support during balance-of-payments pressures

Why Is the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 Important?

The summit is significant because it is the first BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by India after the major expansion of the group.

Its importance can be understood through the following points:

• It will bring together an expanded BRICS membership.
• It will strengthen India’s role in the Global South.
• It will discuss reforms in international institutions.
• It will highlight cooperation in technology and digital public infrastructure.
• It will address food, health, energy and climate-related challenges.
• It will provide a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies.

Previous BRICS Summits: Important Sequence

Important One-Liners for SSC and Railway Exams

1. The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India.
2. The summit will be held in New Delhi.
3. The venue is Bharat Mandapam.
4. The summit is scheduled from 12–13 September 2026.
5. India is the BRICS Chair for 2026.
6. The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
7. BRICS has 10 full members in 2026.
8. Indonesia is the latest country to join the full BRICS grouping.
9. The original BRICS members were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
10. The New Development Bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China.
11. The first president of the New Development Bank was K. V. Kamath.
12. BRICS is a forum for cooperation and is not a military alliance.
13. The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2025.
14. The 18th BRICS Summit is the second summit of the expanded BRICS grouping hosted by India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1) When will the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 be held?

Ans: The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 is scheduled from 12–13 September 2026.

Q2) Where will the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 be held?

Ans: The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.

Q3) What is the theme of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026?

Ans: The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Q4) Which country is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit 2026?

Ans: India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit 2026.

Q5) How many full members does BRICS have in 2026?

Ans: BRICS has 10 full members in 2026: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Q6) Which country joined BRICS most recently?

Ans: Indonesia is the most recent full member to join BRICS, becoming part of the expanded grouping in 2025.

Q7) Where is the New Development Bank headquartered?

Ans: The New Development Bank is headquartered in Shanghai, China.

Practice Questions for SSC and Railway Exams

1. The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 will be hosted by which country?

A. Brazil
B. India
C. Russia
D. China

Answer: B. India

2. Where will the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 be held?

A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad

Answer: C. New Delhi

3. What is the venue of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026?

A. Vigyan Bhavan
B. Bharat Mandapam
C. Rashtrapati Bhavan
D. India Gate Complex

Answer: B. Bharat Mandapam

4. What is the theme of India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026?

A. One Earth, One Family, One Future
B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
C. Strengthening Global Peace and Security
D. Inclusive Growth through Digital India

Answer: B. Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability

5. How many full members are in BRICS in 2026?

A. 5
B. 8
C. 10
D. 11

Answer: C. 10

6. Which country is the latest full member of BRICS?

A. Indonesia
B. Malaysia
C. Argentina
D. Mexico

Answer: A. Indonesia

7. The New Development Bank is headquartered in which city?

A. New Delhi
B. Shanghai
C. Moscow
D. Johannesburg

Answer: B. Shanghai

8. Which of the following was not an original BRICS member?

A. Brazil
B. India
C. South Africa
D. Indonesia

Answer: D. Indonesia

9. The 17th BRICS Summit was held in which country?

A. Brazil
B. India
C. China
D. South Africa

Answer: A. Brazil

10. BRICS is best described as which of the following?

A. A military alliance
B. A group for cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries
C. A regional court
D. A United Nations peacekeeping force

Answer: B. A group for cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries

Final Revision Capsule

The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 will be hosted by India in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam from 12–13 September 2026. India’s BRICS Chairship theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” BRICS has 10 full members in 2026, with Indonesia as the latest full member. The main areas of cooperation include global governance reform, digital technology, health, food security, energy, climate action, trade and sustainable development.

Candidates preparing for SSC and Railway examinations should memorise the date, venue, host country, theme, number of members and the latest member. They should also revise the New Development Bank, its headquarters and the original BRICS countries.