Full Breakdown
BRICS Summit Confronts U.S. Opposition and Internal Divisions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13, 2026)
Leaders of the eleven-member BRICS grouping—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia (invited) and the United Arab Emirates—convene in New Delhi under India’s 2026 chairmanship. The two-day summit follows preparatory work that began on September 9, 2026, when workers were seen beautifying the Bharat Mandapam venue.
Background & Context
Originally coined “BRIC” in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill, the bloc expanded to BRICS with South Africa’s 2010 accession and has since added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia and invited Saudi Arabia. The group now accounts for roughly 40 % of global GDP, about 49.5 % of the world’s population and 26 % of global trade, positioning itself as a counterweight to the G7-led order.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled the bloc “anti-American,” warning that nations seeking to diminish reliance on the U.S. dollar could face additional tariffs. His rhetoric intensifies as the United States pursues sanctions on Iran and threatens trade penalties for countries that maintain economic ties with Tehran.
Data & Statistics
- Population share: ~49.5 % of the world.
- GDP share: ~40 % of global gross domestic product.
- Trade share: ~26 % of global trade.
- New Development Bank (NDB) has approved 139 projects worth nearly $43 billion since 2015, with a $100 billion emergency reserve facility supporting member economies.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump described BRICS as a “little group” that “is fading out fast,” dismissed its attempts to reduce dollar reliance, and warned of tariff retaliation against members that pursue alternative payment systems.
India, as chair, has pledged to deepen policy coordination, address supply-chain disruptions, climate risks and AI development, while seeking a joint statement that bridges divergent positions on Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Criticism & Opposition
Trump’s administration has threatened to sanction any nation that continues business with Iran, a stance rejected by China and other BRICS members. Within the bloc, Egypt and Indonesia voted for a United Nations resolution demanding Russia’s unconditional withdrawal from Ukraine, whereas other members abstained or opposed, highlighting divergent foreign-policy priorities.
On-the-Ground Reports
On September 11, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New Delhi, greeted by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur. The Ministry of External Affairs posted that the visit underscores “civilizational ties” and shared commitment to progress and prosperity as BRICS partners.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Iran’s Membership Status – Saudi Arabia is listed as a BRICS member on the organization’s website, yet the kingdom has not formally confirmed participation.
- Unified Position on the U.S.–Iran Conflict – BRICS condemned U.S. airstrikes on Iran in 2025 but has not issued a joint statement on the ongoing U.S.–Iran war launched in February 2026; member states such as the UAE and Egypt remain hesitant to adopt a stance that could antagonize Washington.
- Common Currency Proposal – Brazil floated a BRICS-wide currency during its previous chairmanship, but the idea was later abandoned, with member states pursuing bilateral payment-system interoperability instead.
What’s Next
India’s presidency aims to produce a joint communiqué that reconciles the divergent positions of Tehran and the United Arab Emirates. The summit’s outcomes will influence forthcoming U.S. trade policy decisions, particularly any tariff measures announced by the Trump administration in response to BRICS-initiated alternatives to the dollar.