Full Breakdown
India’s BRICS Chairmanship: Diplomacy, Technology Policy, and Domestic Pushback
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – India Hosts the 18th BRBS Summit
On September 12-13 2026, New Delhi welcomed leaders of the 11-nation BRICS bloc for the 18th summit under India’s chairmanship. The summit concluded with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, emphasizing cooperation in trade, digital industries, smart manufacturing and sustainable development.
Background & Context – From Non-Alignment to a Multipolar Forum
India’s foreign-policy tradition of non-alignment, articulated by Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Vajpayee, faces a test as BRICS positions itself as a counter-weight to the post-World-War II order. Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a “multipolar world” and urged BRICS to assume a larger “peacemaking role,” while Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against dependence on Western financial systems and advocated trade in national currencies.
Official Statements & Responses – Policy Priorities Highlighted by Modi
Modi stressed inclusive technology adoption and announced a logistics-supply-chain framework aimed at making supply chains more reliable and resilient.
Data & Statistics – Scope of the BRICS Grouping
- Members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates.
- Partners: Nigeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
- Collectively, the bloc accounts for roughly 49.5 % of the world’s population, 40 % of global GDP and 26 % of global trade.
Criticism & Opposition – Opposition Leaders Question Domestic Messaging
Congress leader Pawan Khera criticised two aspects of the summit’s staging. He objected to an all-vegetarian banquet menu, arguing it concealed India’s “rich non-vegetarian culinary tradition.” He also denounced large curtains and temporary barricades that screened off low-income neighbourhoods along transit routes, accusing the administration of “hiding India’s socioeconomic realities” from foreign guests.
Why It Matters – Strategic and Symbolic Implications
Modi’s focus on technology-mineral independence signals India’s intent to reduce reliance on China-dominated supply chains for lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare-earth processing. By advocating inclusive technology adoption, India aims to position itself as a leader for the Global South within BRICS, potentially reshaping trade and investment patterns. Domestic criticism highlights the tension between projecting a polished diplomatic image and confronting internal socioeconomic challenges, a balance that may affect India’s credibility internationally.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The weaponization of technology and critical minerals can hinder our shared progress. Therefore, we have emphasised inclusivity in the adoption of technology,” — Narendra Modi
- “The BJP’s habit of imposing its dietary preferences on fellow Indians is already deeply problematic. Now, they have taken it a step further by imposing their own choices on dignitaries from across the world,” — Pawan Khera
- “I don't know how many Presidents and how many Prime Ministers are coming. I don't think the last two or three BRICS summits have resulted in tangible benefits or tangible results,” — P. Chidambaram
- “The ‘New Delhi Declaration’ adopted unanimously at the 2026 BRICS Delhi Summit reflects the confidence of a BRICS that is broad in reach and strong in purpose,” — Narendra Modi