India all set for BRICS summit but why is it so significant in 2026?

New Delhi: India will host the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, with Chinese President Xi Jinping set to attend at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation.

China confirmed Xi’s visit on Thursday evening, ahead of the two-day gathering of leaders from major emerging economies and developing countries. His participation will draw attention to India-China engagement alongside the wider BRICS discussions.

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Energy security in focus

The summit comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia and volatility in international crude oil markets, giving the meeting significance beyond its diplomatic agenda.

The grouping includes major energy producers and consumers. Disruptions to oil supplies and higher energy costs could therefore bring energy security and their consequences for global economic stability into sharper focus during the discussions.

The conflict also presents a challenge for an expanded BRICS as members seek common ground on the West Asia crisis.

An expanded grouping

BRICS takes its name from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but has since expanded beyond those five countries.

According to India’s BRICS 2026 website, the grouping lists 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Indonesia.

The grouping also has 10 partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Partner status is distinct from full membership.

The expanded format brings together countries with substantial interests in manufacturing, services, energy and raw materials, providing the backdrop for this weekend’s talks on economic cooperation and shared global challenges.

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"New Delhi didn't invite Tariq Rehman as Bangladesh PM"

Despite openly showing interest in becoming member of the BRICS community and having the invitation, Bangladesh chose to keep distance from BRICS 2026. Speaking to the journalists in Dhaka, Bangladesh foreign minister Humayun Kabir said, "Bilateral visits will take place when the atmosphere is conducive and mutual respect is maintained. There is no need to rush this. India had invited the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to attend the BRICS Summit in her capacity as the BIMSTEC Chair; this should not be viewed as a bilateral invitation. The first visit cannot be multilateral. We are attaching greater importance to bilateral visits and discussions."

However, India was first to invite Tariq Rehman after he became Bangladesh PM though he chose to visit Malaysia first and then China.

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