Archive · 11 Sep 2026
BRICS Expands as India Prepares to Host 2026 Summit
BRICS is a group where several large developing countries work together.
Its name originally came from Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The group began meeting officially in 2006 and held its first summit in 2009.
South Africa joined soon afterward, changing the name to BRICS.
Six more countries became full members between 2024 and 2025.
There are now 11 BRICS members across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
India will lead the group in 2026 and host its summit in New Delhi.
The group wants countries to cooperate and have a stronger voice in global organizations.
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.
BRICS has 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
The group represents 49.5% of the global population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.
BRIC was formalized in 2006, held its first summit in 2009 and added South Africa in 2010-11.
BRICS promotes cooperation, sustainable development and greater representation in global institutions.
- Who
- BRICS's 11 member countries, chaired by India in 2026.
- What
- A cooperation platform for major emerging markets and developing countries.
- When
- BRIC was formalized in 2006; the 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 12-13, 2026.
- Where
- The 2026 summit will take place in New Delhi, India; BRIC's first summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- Why
- To coordinate on global and regional issues, support sustainable development and seek more equitable representation in international institutions.
- 2026 summit
- India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13.
- Current membership
- 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
- Population share
- BRICS members collectively represent 49.5% of the global population.
- Economic share
- Members account for 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.
- Origin
- The BRIC acronym was coined by Goldman Sachs in 2001.
- Formalization
- BRIC was formalized at a foreign ministers' meeting in 2006, and its first summit was held in 2009.
- Recent expansion
- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE joined in January 2024; Indonesia joined in January 2025.