Today India formally launched preparations for its BRICS 2026 presidency, marking the start of its leadership role in one of the world’s influential emerging-economies bloc. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the official BRICS 2026 logo, website and theme.

The theme announced for India’s BRICS chairmanship is “Humanity-First”, reflecting a people-centric approach that focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch, Jaishankar said India’s presidency will aim to ensure that BRICS works for the real needs of people and not just governments, with development and shared growth at the core.

India took over the BRICS presidency from Brazil on January 1, 2026, as the leadership rotates annually among member countries in alphabetical order.

BRICS today is a major global platform of 11 countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Together, they represent a large share of the world’s population, economic growth and energy resources.

The group began as BRIC in 2009 and expanded to BRICS in 2010 with South Africa’s entry. Over the years, it has pushed for a more multipolar global order and stronger representation of developing nations in institutions like the IMF and World Bank, while also creating its own New Development Bank.

With BRICS now larger and more influential than ever, India’s 2026 presidency is expected to play a key role in shaping cooperation among emerging powers and strengthening their voice in global decision-making.