India to Reshape BRICS Alliance in 2026: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India prioritized the concerns of the Global South during its G-20 presidency and will bring the same approach to BRICS leadership in 2026. Emphasizing a “humanity first” vision, he said India aims to reshape BRICS into a more inclusive and responsive platform. As New Delhi prepares to take over the chairmanship from Brazil, Modi reiterated India’s commitment to promoting cooperation among emerging economies, addressing global challenges, and ensuring that the voices of developing nations are heard and respected on the international stage.
India will attempt to give a “new form” to the BRICS grouping in 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during his intervention at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio De Janeiro on Monday, July 7, 2025. As India prepares to assume the presidency of the influential bloc from Brazil, Mr. Modi laid out a forward-looking and inclusive vision for the future of BRICS, centered on global cooperation, innovation, and human-centric development.
Mr. Modi emphasized that just as India prioritized the issues of the Global South during its G-20 presidency, a similar approach would guide its leadership of BRICS. “We will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first,” he said. The message underscored India’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of developing countries are amplified within multilateral platforms and that BRICS becomes more inclusive and responsive to global challenges.
A Renewed Focus on the Global South
The Prime Minister’s remarks reaffirmed India’s role as a leading voice for the Global South—a collective of developing and underrepresented nations seeking greater influence in the global decision-making process. By placing human development, cooperation, and sustainability at the core of BRICS, India aims to realign the group’s priorities with the realities of today’s interconnected and multipolar world.
“In our G-20 presidency, we gave priority to the concerns of the Global South, and under BRICS, we will uphold the same values,” he reiterated, hinting at a more activist and reformist approach during India’s 2026 tenure.
Global Health and Post-Pandemic Cooperation
Addressing global health issues, Mr. Modi drew attention to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for collaborative and borderless approaches to global challenges. The solution to common challenges is possible only through joint efforts,” he stressed.
This call for global unity echoed a broader sentiment across BRICS nations, many of which have been urging for greater self-reliance, knowledge-sharing, and reforms in global health governance mechanisms, including the World Health Organization (WHO).
Artificial Intelligence: India Advocates ‘AI for All’
In another key intervention at a separate segment of the summit, Mr. Modi outlined India’s approach to emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). He positioned India as a responsible and inclusive player in the AI landscape.
He emphasized the importance of balanced AI governance, saying, “AI governance, addressing concerns and encouraging innovation should both receive equal priority.”
India’s AI initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, education, and public service delivery were seen as examples of how emerging technologies could be harnessed for inclusive development without leaving anyone behind.
Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines
Among the notable leaders who met the Indian Prime Minister were:
- President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez of Cuba
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia
- President Yamandu Orsi of Uruguay
- President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora of Bolivia
These meetings focused on a range of issues including trade, energy cooperation, healthcare partnerships, and South-South collaboration. The interactions also reflected India’s emphasis on deepening relations with Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian countries as part of its expanding global engagement strategy.
State Visit to Brazil Begins
Following his participation in the closing day of the BRICS Summit, Mr. Modi will begin a state visit to Brazil on July 8, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The visit will commence at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia, where formal ceremonies will be held.
During his stay, Mr. Modi is scheduled to hold restricted and delegation-level talks with President Lula da Silva. The two sides are expected to sign a number of agreements in the areas of renewable energy, agriculture, digital innovation, defense cooperation, and cultural exchange.
President Lula will also host a state lunch in honor of the Indian leader, reaffirming the strong and historic bilateral ties between India and Brazil. This visit comes at a crucial time when both nations seek to enhance cooperation in multilateral fora like BRICS, G20, and the United Nations.
BRICS at a Crossroads
The 17th BRICS Summit took place amid significant geopolitical shifts, including ongoing conflicts, economic realignments, and rising calls for reform in global governance. With new countries expected to join the BRICS+ format in the coming year, India’s presidency in 2026 is widely seen as an opportunity to shape the bloc’s expanded role on the world stage.
By redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability,” India is signaling a transformative and pragmatic vision—one that looks beyond traditional power dynamics and toward a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive global future.
As BRICS evolves, India’s stewardship could be pivotal in ensuring that the grouping not only remains relevant but also becomes a force for good in a fragmented world order.