India assumed the rotating chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2026, with a focus on championing the Global South's interests. The bloc, now expanded to include several new members, will see India host the 18th BRICS Summit. Prime Minister Modi outlined a "humanity-first" agenda centered on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. New Delhi aims to balance its leadership role for developing nations with its strategic cooperation with the United States, likely prioritizing development over contentious geopolitical issues.