New Delhi, December 26: India has assumed the BRICS+ presidency for 2026, aiming to deepen intergovernmental cooperation and strengthen its role as a geopolitical force in the Global South.

The expanded BRICS+ now includes ten member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates—along with 13 partner countries invited to participate.

Originally conceived in 1998 and formally established as BRICS in 2009, the bloc has evolved through multiple expansions. During its 2026 presidency under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India plans to redefine BRICS with a people-centric approach, prioritizing the Global South and promoting resilience and innovation for cooperation and sustainability.