India will give a ‘new form’ to BRICS grouping in 2026: PM Modi

India will attempt to give a “new form” to the BRICS next year, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his intervention at the grouping’s summit in Rio De Janeiro on Monday (July 7, 2025), as the Indian side prepared to take over the leadership of BRICS from current president Brazil.

“Under India’s BRICS presidency, we will work to define BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability. Just as, during our G-20 chairmanship, we gave priority to the issues of the Global South in the agenda, similarly during our chairmanship of BRICS, we will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first,” said Mr. Modi speaking at the session on Environment, COP 30 and Global Health.

Also Read: PM Modi at BRICS in Brazil LIVE updates on July 7, 2025

Mr. Modi dealt with a number of topics, including the post-pandemic recovery of the global economy and sought global cooperation in combating common threats and said, “The COVID pandemic taught us that viruses do not come taking visas, and solutions, too are not chosen by looking at passports. The solution to common challenges is possible only through joint efforts.”

Earlier, talking at a segment of the BRICS summit in Rio De Janeiro, Mr. Modi shared the Indian position on Artificial Intelligence and said, “We in India believe in AI as a tool to enhance human values and capabilities. Guided by the mantra of ‘AI for All’, India is actively using AI in many sectors. We believe that AI governance, addressing concerns and encouraging innovation should both receive equal priority.”

Mr. Modi also held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Among those who met the Indian Prime Minister were President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez of Cuba, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, President Yamandu Orsi of Uruguay and President of Bolivia Luis Alberto Arce Catacora.

“We talked about the need for improving and diversifying trade linkages on a priority basis. We discussed how we can collaborate in sectors such as digital technology, critical minerals, healthcare, space and more. Also conveyed my best wishes on the historic occasion of Bolivia’s 200 years of Independence,” said Mr. Modi.

Mr. Modl’s participation in the closing day of the 17^th BRICS summit will be followed by a state visit to Brazil that is scheduled to begin on 8 July at the Alvorado Palace. During his stay in Brasilia, Mr. Modi will hold restricted and delegation-level talks and attend a lunch hosted by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. India and Brazil are expected to sign agreements following official talks.