India’s BRICS Chairship to Focus on Humanity-First Approach

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said India will approach its BRICS chairship in 2026 with a strong humanity-first and people-centric vision, aimed at harnessing the collective strengths of member countries to promote global welfare. He made the remarks while launching the BRICS India 2026 website, logo and official theme.

Highlighting the evolution of BRICS, Jaishankar noted that the grouping has expanded its agenda and membership over the years in response to changing global realities, while continuing to focus on inclusive development, dialogue and practical cooperation. Extending greetings on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Magh Bihu and Pongal, he said these festivals symbolise hope and renewal—values that will also guide India’s BRICS leadership.

India will assume the BRICS chairship at a significant juncture, as the grouping completes 20 years since its inception in 2026. Over the past two decades, BRICS has emerged as an important platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies. Jaishankar pointed out that the current global environment is marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, climate risks, technological disruptions and persistent development gaps.

Against this backdrop, he said, BRICS remains a vital forum for encouraging dialogue and collective responses that respect national priorities and varying stages of development. India’s chairship theme, “Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” reflects its belief that balanced and inclusive cooperation among BRICS nations can help address shared challenges.

Explaining the symbolism of the BRICS India 2026 logo, Jaishankar said it blends tradition and modernity, with petals carrying the colours of all member countries, signifying unity in diversity and shared purpose.

He outlined four core priorities - Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability—aligned with BRICS’ three pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. India plans to strengthen institutional capacities in areas such as agriculture, health, disaster management, energy and supply chains, promote innovation through start-ups and MSMEs, advance climate action and clean energy, and support sustainable development pathways that are equitable and sensitive to national circumstances.