New Delhi: India hosted the first BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas meeting of 2026 in New Delhi on Tuesday, marking the official start of preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit. Participants discussed key events for the year and India’s priorities as the chair country.
Sudhakar Dalela, India’s BRICS Sherpa and Secretary (Economic Relations) at the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the main priorities of India’s chairship. In a post on X, he noted that India’s approach follows a “people-centric” and “humanity-first” vision, with the overall theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with BRICS Sherpas and country representatives, welcoming their suggestions and perspectives. He observed that as BRICS completes 20 years, it has become an important platform for global consultation, coordination, and cooperation.
In a post on X, he said: “Value the suggestions and perspectives brought in by different delegations to advance #BRICS2026 priorities of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.”
BRICS currently brings together 11 emerging economies – Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The bloc serves as a platform for dialogue on global political and economic governance.
On the sidelines of the Sherpas meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held the India-China Strategic Dialogue with China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu. The two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, the ministry said in a release.
Both countries emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border. They reaffirmed their commitment to follow guidance from their leaders and to address trade and strategic issues through political dialogue and mutual engagement.
The meeting reinforced India’s role in promoting cooperation, stability, and people-focused initiatives within BRICS, while strengthening bilateral ties with key partners like China.
