Story perspectives

BRICS Plans Digital Currency Link to Boost Trade

1/23/2026

Center

India Proposes BRICS Currency

India's central bank proposes linking BRICS digital currencies to ease cross-border trade and tourism and reduce USD reliance.
The plan will be discussed at the 2026 BRICS summit hosted by India.
It builds on a previous BRICS declaration to improve payment interoperability among member states.
None of the BRICS countries have fully launched digital currencies; India's e-rupee has 7 million users since December 2022.

Right

China Boosts e-CNY

China's digital renminbi (e-CNY) began offering interest in January 2026 to boost appeal against WeChat Pay and Alipay.
The change aims to make the e-CNY a more deposit-like currency.
Adoption remains low despite trials since 2019, with few stores accepting it in Shenzhen.
Analysts say the e-CNY offers tech advantages but does not replace payment solutions.
Its success also depends on global renminbi acceptance as other countries study digital currencies.

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India Proposes BRICS Currency

India's central bank proposes linking BRICS digital currencies to ease cross-border trade and tourism and reduce USD reliance.
The plan will be discussed at the 2026 BRICS summit hosted by India.
It builds on a previous BRICS declaration to improve payment interoperability among member states.
None of the BRICS countries have fully launched digital currencies; India's e-rupee has 7 million users since December 2022.

1 / 2