New Delhi, Sep 17: India is seeking to give BRICS a stronger economic and technology-driven role, with greater emphasis on trade, resilient supply chains, digital innovation, startups, critical technologies and sustainable development.
The push gained momentum during India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on September 12-13. The grouping adopted the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting India’s focus on turning cooperation into practical outcomes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the need for BRICS countries to work together on areas that directly influence economic growth, including supply-chain resilience, emerging technologies, green energy and digital infrastructure. India has also highlighted the importance of stronger business-to-business engagement among member economies.
Trade and investment are emerging as key areas of cooperation. With global supply chains facing disruptions from geopolitical tensions and changing trade policies, BRICS countries are looking at ways to strengthen economic links and create more reliable channels for the movement of goods, services and capital.
Digital technology is another major part of the agenda. India has showcased its experience with digital public infrastructure and payment systems, including UPI, as potential areas for wider cooperation. Discussions around cross-border payments, fintech and digital platforms could create new opportunities for businesses operating across BRICS markets.
Artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are also gaining importance within the grouping. Cooperation in AI, digital innovation and technology standards could help member countries develop their own capabilities while expanding opportunities for startups, research institutions and technology companies.
The economic opportunity is significant. BRICS has expanded beyond its original five members and now includes a wider group of emerging economies, giving the platform a broader presence across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. This expansion also creates scope for greater trade and investment links among developing markets.
For Indian businesses, a more economically focused BRICS could open additional opportunities in areas such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, IT services, renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture and digital services. Smaller companies and startups could also benefit if stronger business networks and market-access mechanisms develop across member economies.
Supply-chain cooperation could be particularly important for manufacturing. Greater coordination on critical minerals, technology, energy and industrial inputs could help companies diversify sourcing and reduce exposure to individual markets. This is increasingly relevant as businesses globally reassess their supply chains amid geopolitical and trade uncertainties.
The BRICS agenda also includes sustainability and green growth. Cooperation in renewable energy, climate-related technologies and sustainable infrastructure could create new investment opportunities while supporting the transition towards cleaner industrial systems.
The challenge now is implementation. Turning summit commitments into functioning projects, stronger trade flows, technology partnerships and business connections will require coordination among governments, financial institutions and private companies.
India’s approach places greater emphasis on making BRICS a platform where economic cooperation can translate into practical opportunities for businesses and citizens. If these initiatives move from policy discussions to concrete programmes, the grouping could play a larger role in shaping trade, technology and development across emerging economies.
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