BRICS 2026: New Delhi prepares for a summit that could reshape the Global South

What the report says

India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, with the meeting expected to draw leaders and representatives from across the Global South. According to Nile Post, India has used its 2026 BRICS chairmanship to frame the summit around resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while emphasizing practical work in areas such as trade, finance, technology, agriculture, food and energy security, climate resilience and development.

The article says BRICS has expanded far beyond its original five members and now includes 11 member states. It notes that the wider bloc carries significant global economic weight, but also faces political complexity because members have different interests and relationships with major powers. The broader backdrop includes the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, tensions involving Iran, disruption to energy and trade routes, and the evolving relationship between China and India. Among the most closely watched figures are Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

For Uganda, the summit is presented as especially important. Nile Post reports that Uganda has been a BRICS Partner Country since January 2025, giving Kampala a route to seek investment, technology partnerships, market access and development cooperation. Uganda’s delegation is being led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, with Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President Diana Nankunda Mutasingwa also expected to take part.

The article also highlights India’s push for more concrete cooperation, including work on digital agriculture, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and cross-border payments. It suggests the key issue for developing countries is whether BRICS can turn its size and influence into tangible economic benefits.