India is set to replicate the highly successful model of its G20 Presidency for its upcoming leadership of the BRICS bloc in 2026. The ambitious plan involves taking over 100 meetings and delegations to all 28 states and nine Union Territories, showcasing the nation's diversity on a global stage.
A Presidency Across the Nation
While the marquee Leaders' Summit will be held in New Delhi towards the latter part of 2026, the year-long presidency will see a flurry of diplomatic activity spread across the country. Official sources have confirmed that approximately 100 other meetings, including ministerial dialogues, forums, and working groups, are scheduled to be hosted in around 60 Indian cities.
India will assume the BRICS Presidency on January 1, 2026, leading a now-expanded bloc of 11 member-states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. The presidency will also engage with ten partner countries.
Detailed Meeting Schedule and Strategic Agenda
The detailed schedule being chalked out includes a wide array of engagements. There are likely to be two meetings of foreign ministers, one gathering of national security advisors, 4-5 sherpa or sous sherpa meetings, and around 20 ministerial-level meetings.
Key ministerial meetings are planned for major hubs such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow. Beyond these, the itinerary includes a dozen meetings at the level of heads of agencies, nearly 90 for working groups and expert groups, and several forums involving business chambers and parliamentary exchanges.
India aims to utilize its presidency to play a pivotal role in shaping the bloc's agenda, with a sharp focus on institutional reforms, climate finance, digital governance, and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
Showcasing India's Diversity and Culture
The overarching strategy is to build a strong image of India and ensure the spirit of the presidency permeates citizens across all age groups, in both rural and urban areas. The extensive travel plan is deliberately designed to include all northeastern and border states, ensuring a truly national representation.
Brand India will be projected to an international audience, particularly the Indian diaspora and citizens of participating BRICS nations. A major publicity campaign is set to be launched soon, following the Ministry of External Affairs' hiring of an external agency to manage promotional and branding activities.
Drawing from the G20 playbook, a distinctive logo and theme are being developed. The G20 theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one) had garnered significant global appreciation, and a similarly resonant theme is expected for the BRICS presidency.
Cultural Integration and Legacy
The government plans to integrate the BRICS presidency with India's rich cultural tapestry. A BRICS-themed Kite festival is in the works, and for Diwali 2026, the BRICS logo may be projected using ecological diyas in key cities. A special Republic Day tableau centered on BRICS is also under consideration, alongside a curated food festival featuring cuisines from Indian states and member nations.
Major national events like the Kerala boat festival, Odisha's sand art festival, and the Goa carnival will also feature prominent BRICS branding. The platforms of these events will be used to highlight India's achievements in the space and start-up sectors. A theme song, to be sung by a renowned Indian musician, will also be composed to encapsulate the spirit of the presidency.
By leveraging the existing infrastructure and learnings from the 2023 G20 Presidency, where 200 meetings were held across 60 cities, India is poised to deliver a BRICS presidency that is both logistically robust and culturally immersive.
