NEW DELHI — BRICS has been urged to strengthen internal cooperation, unity and coordination as the grouping prepares for its 18th Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
In an analysis by Rajiv Bhatia, a distinguished fellow at Gateway House and former Indian diplomat, BRICS has emerged as one of the most important forums representing the interests and priorities of the Global South.
What began two decades ago as a grouping of four countries has expanded into a family of 11 member states and 10 partner states. More than 30 countries have also expressed interest in joining the BRICS family.
According to Bhatia, the continued participation of leaders from BRICS member and partner countries demonstrates their confidence in the forum and its potential to play a greater role in global affairs.
BRICS has increasingly focused on issues including reform of international governance, sustainable development, development financing and the creation of a fairer and more representative international order. The grouping is also widely viewed as an important counterweight to the G7 and a significant platform for emerging markets and developing countries.
India, which is chairing BRICS in 2026, is seeking to strengthen cooperation among member countries amid growing geopolitical tensions, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Under India's chairmanship, the overarching theme of BRICS is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” More than 350 meetings and events involving government officials, think tanks, civil society, businesses and youth have already been held this year.
The analysis highlights the achievements of the previous three BRICS summits. The 2023 Johannesburg Summit advanced the expansion of BRICS membership, while the 2024 Kazan Summit emphasized multipolarity and multilateralism. The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Summit raised concerns over increasing global polarization and fragmentation and advanced implementation of the BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership.
Cooperation has also expanded into areas including climate change, biodiversity, culture, education, trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Bhatia argues that BRICS now needs to strike a stronger balance between expanding its membership and deepening cooperation among existing members. He particularly emphasizes stronger coordination and convergence among the founding members, even when they disagree on certain international issues.
According to the analysis, this could help BRICS become a stronger and more cohesive player in international affairs.
China is scheduled to assume the BRICS presidency in 2027 and could play an important role in further advancing cooperation and cohesion within the grouping.
