India launched official logo, theme and website for BRICS 2026, signalling the start of its fourth BRICS Chairship, which it assumed from Brazil on 1 January 2026. The launch reflects India’s intention to steer the expanded BRICS grouping with a “humanity first” and people-centric approach, focusing on inclusive global welfare.
India’s BRICS Chairship 2026: Context
- India is chairing BRICS for the fourth time (previously in 2012, 2016, and 2021).
- The last Indian chairship in 2021 took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The expanded BRICS grouping now represents:
- ~49.5% of the world’s population
- ~40% of global GDP
- ~26% of global trade
- India has stated that its chairship will aim to harness the collective potential of BRICS members for greater global welfare.
BRICS India 2026 Logo
- The BRICS India 2026 Logo symbolises:
- Inclusivity
- Dialogue
- Shared growth and unity
- Design elements:
- Lotus motif, reflecting prosperity and India’s civilisational ethos
- Petals in the colours of BRICS members, symbolising diversity and collective strength
- “Namaste” gesture at the centre, conveying respect, warmth, and harmonious cooperation
- Selection process:
- Chosen through an open public contest launched by the Ministry of External Affairs on the Government’s Citizen Engagement Platform
- Designer:
- Sudeep Subhash Gandhi, whose concept linked the lotus with prosperity and unity among BRICS nations
Theme of India’s BRICS Chairship 2026
Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
Key aspects of the theme:
- Inspired by the Prime Minister’s “Humanity First” and people-centric vision
- Emphasises that cooperation among BRICS countries can address shared global challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner
- Identifies four core priorities:
- Resilience – strengthening economies and societies against global shocks
- Innovation – leveraging new and emerging technologies for development
- Cooperation – enhancing multilateral dialogue and collective action
- Sustainability – promoting long-term, inclusive and environmentally responsible growth
Alignment with BRICS pillars:
- Political and security cooperation
- Economic and financial cooperation
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
Launch of BRICS India 2026 Website
- The official website brics2026.gov.in was launched by the External Affairs Minister.
- Purpose of the website:
- Acts as a central digital platform for India’s BRICS Chairship
- Disseminates information on:
- Initiatives and priorities
- Projects and outcomes
- Meetings, events and summits
- Official documents and statements
- Significance:
- Enhances transparency, coordination and outreach
- Supports smoother engagement among BRICS members and partner countries during a year of expanded global expectations
About BRICS: Background and Expansion
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
- Origin:
- Concept of “BRIC” coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs
- Formal grouping established in 2006
- First summit held in 2009
- South Africa joined in 2011, forming BRICS
- Expansion:
- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and UAE joined as full members in January 2024
- Indonesia joined in January 2025
- Several countries (e.g. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan) inducted as partner nations
Current Relevance of BRICS
- BRICS has evolved into a major platform for cooperation in:
- Trade and investment
- Technology and innovation
- Sustainable development
- Reform of global governance institutions
- In the current global context marked by:
- Geopolitical uncertainties
- Economic volatility
- Climate risks
- Rapid technological change
- Persistent development gaps
- BRICS serves as an important forum for dialogue, coordination and practical cooperation, while respecting national priorities and differing development stages.