Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday said that the BRICS grouping has expanded its agenda and is responding to changing geopolitics, but at the same time, it is fostering cooperation among nations of the developing world.
"Over the years, BRICS has expanded its agenda and membership, responding to changing global realities, while remaining focused on people-centric development, fostering dialogue, and promoting practical cooperation," India's top diplomat said while unveiling the BRICS 2026 logo and website in New Delhi.
He highlighted that India's BRICS chairmanship comes at a crucial stage in the bloc's 20-year history.
"When India prepares to assume the BRICS chairship in 2026, we do so at an important moment in the grouping's journey. In 2026, BRICS will complete 20 years since its inception, during which it has steadily evolved into a significant platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing economies," he stated.
The minister added that the complicated economic situation, technological changes spearheaded by artificial intelligence (AI), and a volatile political environment globally were among the major factors behind a challenging international environment.
"The current global environment presents complex and interlinked challenges—geopolitical uncertainties, complicated economic landscapes, climate-related risks, and technological changes. Persistent development gaps continue to affect countries across regions," he underscored.
In this context, BRICS remains an important forum that encourages dialogue, cooperation, and practical responses, taking into account national priorities at different stages of development, he summed up.