
BRICS is evolving from a diplomatic grouping into an increasingly important platform for the Global South. As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, the focus is on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability — and on giving developing nations a greater voice in global governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed dialogue and diplomacy, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has highlighted the rise of new centres of power across the Global South. From access and development to resilience and representation, India’s BRICS presidency is testing whether the grouping can deliver on the aspirations of the Global South — and reshape the emerging world order.