BRICS 2026 Summit: Trade, Technology and Sustainable Growth
The BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi was an important meeting for the future of global trade, technology and sustainable development. The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, under India’s chairship. The main theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
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The summit came at a time when countries around the world are dealing with trade uncertainty, changing supply chains, climate challenges, energy concerns and rapid technological development. For BRICS, the meeting was an opportunity to discuss how member countries can work together while also giving greater importance to the needs of developing economies.
Trade Cooperation at the Centre
Trade was one of the major areas discussed during the New Delhi Summit. BRICS countries want to make trade between members more stable, open and practical, particularly at a time when tariffs and other trade barriers are creating uncertainty for businesses.
The New Delhi Declaration supported stronger cooperation in trade and investment and highlighted the importance of a fair and predictable multilateral trading system. Leaders also expressed concern about unilateral trade measures that can affect developing economies.
For businesses, stronger BRICS cooperation could create opportunities to reach new markets, build partnerships and participate in wider supply chains.
Local Currency Trade and Payment Systems
Another important part of the economic discussion was the use of local currencies in trade.
BRICS did not introduce a single common currency at the 2026 summit. Instead, discussions focused on making cross-border payments easier and encouraging greater use of national currencies for trade between member countries.
This could be useful for businesses that trade across borders because smoother payment systems can reduce some of the difficulties involved in international transactions.
The broader goal is not simply to change the currency used in trade. It is also about creating stronger financial connections between BRICS economies.
Technology Becomes a Bigger BRICS Priority
Technology has become one of the most important parts of the BRICS agenda.
The 2026 declaration highlighted cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including emerging technologies and digital development. India’s BRICS chairship also placed considerable attention on digital public infrastructure, fintech and artificial intelligence.
Technology cooperation can help BRICS countries exchange knowledge, develop new skills and create opportunities for businesses and young professionals.
It can also help developing countries improve public services and make digital systems more accessible.
Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Economy
Artificial intelligence was another major technology topic at the summit.
BRICS countries discussed ways to cooperate in AI while making sure that developing countries are not left behind in the digital transformation. China also promoted new BRICS initiatives connected with AI and digital economic cooperation.
AI is expected to influence many sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, finance and public administration. Because of this, cooperation in AI can become an important part of future economic growth.
At the same time, BRICS countries face the challenge of developing responsible technology while dealing with issues such as data, digital security, skills and unequal access to advanced technology.
Stronger Global Supply Chains
The summit also focused on supply-chain resilience.
Recent global disruptions have shown how problems involving transport, energy, raw materials or international trade can quickly affect countries far away from the original problem. BRICS leaders therefore discussed the importance of stable and reliable global supply chains.
China’s President Xi Jinping also called for BRICS and partner countries to keep supply chains stable and uninterrupted.
For developing economies, stronger supply chains can support manufacturing, exports, investment and employment.
Sustainable Growth and Energy
Sustainable growth was another major pillar of the 2026 summit.
BRICS countries recognised that economic development and environmental protection need to move together. Developing economies need reliable and affordable energy while also working toward cleaner and more sustainable systems.
The New Delhi Declaration addressed energy security, clean energy, climate action and sustainable development. It also placed attention on critical minerals that are becoming increasingly important for clean technologies and modern industries.
The challenge for BRICS is to support an energy transition that is practical and fair while respecting the different economic situations of its member countries.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Climate change was also part of the wider BRICS agenda.
Extreme weather, food insecurity, water problems and pressure on natural resources can affect economic development, particularly in developing countries. BRICS cooperation can help members share technology, research and practical solutions.
Sustainable development therefore means more than reducing emissions. It also involves creating jobs, improving infrastructure, supporting communities and ensuring that economic growth reaches more people.
Agriculture and Food Security
Agriculture and food security received attention as part of the broader cooperation agenda.
BRICS countries include some of the world's major agricultural producers and consumers. Cooperation in agriculture can help improve food production, supply chains, technology and resilience against climate-related problems.
Digital tools and modern farming technologies can also help farmers make better decisions and improve productivity.
For countries with large rural populations, this type of cooperation can have a direct effect on economic and social development.
Technology for Small Businesses
The summit also placed importance on startups, small businesses and innovation.
Small and medium-sized businesses are important sources of employment and economic activity across BRICS countries. Better access to digital technology, finance and international markets can help these businesses grow.
The New Delhi Declaration supported cooperation in areas such as Industry 4.0, innovation, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises.
This could eventually create more opportunities for smaller companies to become part of international supply chains.
Sustainable Infrastructure
Infrastructure is another important part of sustainable growth.
BRICS countries need investment in transport, energy, digital connectivity, cities and public services. The challenge is to develop this infrastructure while keeping it affordable and environmentally responsible.
The BRICS New Development Bank can play an important role in financing development projects and supporting infrastructure needs in member countries.
Better infrastructure can also improve trade by making it easier to move products, services and information between countries.
Health and Human Development
The summit also showed that sustainable growth is not only about GDP or trade figures.
Health, education, skills and human development are equally important. India highlighted cooperation in areas such as health and disease preparedness, including an early warning system for infectious diseases.
A stronger health system can protect economies from future crises and help countries maintain stable development.
Why the 2026 Summit Matters
The BRICS 2026 Summit was significant because the group is now much larger and more diverse than it was when BRICS first began.
The expanded group includes 11 member countries, bringing together major economies and developing countries from different regions. This gives BRICS a wider economic and geopolitical reach but also creates the challenge of finding common ground among countries with different priorities.
The New Delhi Summit showed that trade, technology and sustainable development can provide areas where members can work together despite their differences.
India’s Role in Shaping the Agenda
India used its 2026 chairship to focus on practical cooperation and the wider interests of the Global South.
The summit’s theme of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability reflected India’s attempt to connect economic development with technology, climate action and human development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stressed the importance of turning agreements into concrete results rather than allowing them to remain only as declarations.
This practical approach could become important for BRICS as the organisation grows.
A Focus on the Global South
One of the strongest messages from the New Delhi Summit was the importance of the Global South.
BRICS countries want developing economies to have a greater role in global institutions and international decision-making. The New Delhi Declaration supported reforms aimed at making global governance more representative and inclusive.
For many developing countries, issues such as access to finance, technology, energy and markets are closely connected. BRICS is trying to create more opportunities for cooperation in these areas.
The Future of BRICS Trade and Technology
The future of BRICS will depend on how successfully the group can turn its announcements into real projects.
In trade, the focus is likely to remain on easier cross-border transactions, stronger supply chains and better market access. In technology, AI, digital infrastructure and innovation are expected to become even more important.
At the same time, sustainable development will remain a major challenge. BRICS countries will need to balance economic growth with energy security, environmental protection and the needs of their populations.
Conclusion
The BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi showed that the organisation is becoming a wider platform for cooperation in trade, technology and sustainable development.
Trade discussions focused on stronger economic connections, local-currency transactions and more resilient supply chains. Technology discussions highlighted artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, innovation and the digital economy. Sustainable growth discussions covered energy, climate action, critical minerals, agriculture and human development.
The biggest challenge now is implementation. BRICS has created a broad agenda, but its long-term importance will depend on whether these commitments lead to practical benefits for businesses, governments and ordinary people.
The New Delhi Summit therefore represented more than another annual meeting. It showed an effort to build a BRICS framework that can respond to changing global economic conditions while giving greater importance to technology, sustainability and the development needs of the Global South.