The Hindu Editorial • September 12, 2026 • Read Original

The BRICS Summit allows India to advance its global ambitions

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on September 12, 2026

More heft: On India and the 18th BRICS Summit

The BRICS Summit allows India to advance its global ambitions

International Relations BRICS Summit 2026India BRICS PresidencyGeopoliticsDe-dollarisationGlobal GovernanceIndian Diplomacy

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 14

English Original

Forging a joint statement at a major multilateral conference, in the midst of global conflicts where members are involved is never easy — for India, hosting the [BRICS]Summit in Delhi is the second time in recent years, since the G-20 Summit in 2023, that it has had to shoulder such a responsibility.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

a joint statement at a major conference,

Creating an agreed official document at a big meeting involving many nations,

Part 2

global conflicts where members are involved

in the middle of international wars and disputes that directly affect participating countries,

Part 3

is never easy —

is always extremely challenging

Part 4

for India, hosting the [BRICS]Summit in Delhi

for India, organising the gathering of BRICS leaders in New Delhi

Part 5

is the second time in recent years, since the Summit in 2023,

marks the second major global meeting in recent times, after the 2023 G-20 summit,

Part 6

that it has had to such a responsibility.

that India has been required to take on such a heavy diplomatic duty.

Context and Background

India’s G20 Consensus Precedent

During its G20 presidency in September 2023, India successfully forged the unanimous New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration at Bharat Mandapam. Overcoming sharp geopolitical polarisation between Western nations and the Russia-China bloc over the Ukraine conflict established New Delhi’s reputation as a skilled diplomatic bridge-builder.

Sentence 2 of 14

English Original

That, however, is not the only reason [India’s BRICS presidency] comes at a difficult time.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That, however, is not the only reason

However, that is not the single explanation

Part 2

[India’s BRICS ] comes at a difficult time.

why India’s role as leader of the BRICS group is happening during such a complex and testing period.

Sentence 3 of 14

English Original

The past few occasions India has hosted the coalition of emerging economies — in 2012, 2016 and virtually in 2021 — it was a smaller grouping of just five major powers, where managing consensus was easier.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The past few occasions India has hosted the of —

The previous times India organised the summit of fast-growing developing nations

Part 2

in 2012, 2016 and virtually in 2021 —

during the years 2012, 2016, and online through video conference in 2021

Part 3

it was a smaller grouping of just five major powers,

BRICS consisted of only five founding regional heavyweight nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa),

Part 4

where managing was easier.

in which reaching a common agreement among all members was much simpler.

Context and Background

India’s Past BRICS Summits

India previously hosted three BRICS summits: the 4th Summit in New Delhi (2012), the 8th Summit in Goa (2016), and the 13th Summit held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. In all three previous instances, BRICS was restricted to its original five core members.

Sentence 4 of 14

English Original

Since the [expansion in 2024]— adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — and Indonesia’s induction in 2025, BRICS’ identity has evolved, but a common focus remains elusive.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the [expansion in 2024]—

Following the major membership expansion in 2024

Part 2

adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE —

which brought in Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as new members

Part 3

and Indonesia’s in 2025,

along with the official entry of Indonesia into the bloc in 2025,

Part 4

BRICS’ identity has ,

the character and scope of the BRICS grouping have significantly changed,

Part 5

but a common focus remains .

yet agreeing on a single shared objective or direction continues to be very difficult to achieve.

Context and Background

BRICS Expansion (2024–2025)

At the 15th Summit in Johannesburg (2023), BRICS invited six new nations. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE officially joined (with Saudi Arabia participating in summit activities). In 2025, Southeast Asian heavyweight Indonesia was inducted as a full member, bringing the grouping to 11 nations.

Sentence 5 of 14

English Original

In addition, global conflicts involving BRICS members have grown.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In addition,

Furthermore,

Part 2

global involving BRICS members have grown.

international wars and disputes directly affecting BRICS countries have increased significantly.

Sentence 6 of 14

English Original

The war involving Iran has heightened this impact, as Iran, a victim of the U.S.-Israel strikes, as well as the UAE that was attacked by Iran in retaliation, are members that have been unwilling to agree to a common narrative on the problem.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The war involving Iran has this impact,

The military conflict surrounding Iran has intensified these geopolitical difficulties,

Part 2

as Iran, a victim of the U.S.-Israel strikes,

because Iran, having suffered military attacks from the United States and Israel,

Part 3

as well as the UAE that was attacked by Iran in ,

and the United Arab Emirates, which was hit by Iranian counter-strikes,

Part 4

are members that have been unwilling

are both BRICS member states that have shown reluctance

Part 5

to agree to a common on the problem.

to accept a single shared official explanation or viewpoint on the Middle East conflict.

Context and Background

Middle East Geopolitics within BRICS

The escalation of military confrontations in the Middle East, including airstrikes between the US-Israel axis and Iran, alongside regional strikes affecting Gulf infrastructure, has placed new BRICS members Iran and the UAE on conflicting sides of security narratives, complicating joint consensus within the bloc.

Sentence 7 of 14

English Original

India’s position on Israel also came into conflict with other members earlier this year, as the grouping has traditionally taken a much more critical line on Israel’s actions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

India’s position on Israel also with other members

India’s diplomatic stance regarding Israel also differed from the views of other BRICS nations

Part 2

earlier this year,

during diplomatic meetings earlier in the current year,

Part 3

as the grouping has traditionally taken

because the BRICS bloc has historically maintained

Part 4

a much more on Israel’s actions.

a far stronger position of disapproval regarding Israel’s military conduct.

Context and Background

BRICS Stance on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

BRICS declarations have consistently criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon while advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders. India has balanced its close strategic and security partnership with Israel with longstanding diplomatic support for a negotiated two-state solution.

Sentence 8 of 14

English Original

The largest share of New Delhi’s problems as host comes however from the United States, where President Donald Trump has accused it of plotting to overthrow the U.S. dollar’s domination of the global economy, and has been threatening tariffs on all members for planning to increase intra-BRICS payments and trade.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The largest share of New Delhi’s problems as host

The biggest portion of diplomatic challenges facing India as the host country

Part 2

comes however from the United States,

originates, nevertheless, from the United States government,

Part 3

where President Donald Trump has accused it of plotting

where US President Donald Trump has alleged that the BRICS group is secretly planning

Part 4

to the U.S. dollar’s domination of the global economy,

to end the US dollar’s role as the primary global currency,

Part 5

and has been threatening on all members

and has issued ongoing warnings of heavy import taxes against all BRICS nations

Part 6

for planning to increase payments and trade.

for their initiatives to settle cross-border commerce using their own national currencies.

Context and Background

Donald Trump’s Tariff Threats and De-dollarisation

President Donald Trump warned BRICS nations that they would face 100% tariffs on exports to the US market if they took steps to replace the US dollar in international settlements or establish a rival currency. While BRICS has expanded local-currency bilateral trade mechanisms, New Delhi has clarified that its policy focuses on trade efficiency rather than de-dollarisation.

Sentence 9 of 14

English Original

As the Modi government seeks to restore ties with the Trump administration, on trade and its Indo-Pacific strategy, hosting BRICS also risks invoking America’s ire, however irrational.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the Modi government seeks to restore ties with the Trump administration,

While Prime Minister Modi’s government works to rebuild and strengthen diplomatic relations with President Trump’s administration,

Part 2

on trade and its strategy,

specifically regarding commercial agreements and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,

Part 3

hosting BRICS also risks invoking America’s ,

leading the BRICS summit carries the danger of provoking intense anger from Washington,

Part 4

however .

even if that anger is completely illogical and unjustified.

Context and Background

India-US Relations and the Indo-Pacific Strategy

India and the United States maintain a comprehensive global strategic partnership, cooperating extensively through the Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia) to ensure maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. Managing this alignment alongside India’s leadership in non-Western multilateral platforms like BRICS requires delicate diplomatic coordination.

Sentence 10 of 14

English Original

As a result, a success in reconciling all these different strands at this time would indeed be a shot across the bow for the grouping and a big win for Indian diplomacy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As a result,

Consequently,

Part 2

a success in all these different at this time

succeeding in harmonising and uniting all these conflicting opinions and interests during this summit

Part 3

would indeed be a for the grouping

would truly serve as a powerful demonstration of collective strength and relevance for BRICS

Part 4

and a big win for Indian .

and represent a major achievement for India’s international negotiation skills.

Sentence 11 of 14

English Original

Since it was first conceptualised 25 years ago, and a summit convened in 2009, the BRICS countries have risen in global stature and economic heft, benefitting intra-BRICS trade.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since it was first 25 years ago,

Ever since the idea of the bloc was first formulated 25 years ago (in 2001),

Part 2

and a summit in 2009,

and their first official leaders’ summit was held in 2009,

Part 3

the BRICS countries have risen in global and economic ,

the member nations have grown enormously in international standing and economic power,

Part 4

benefitting intra-BRICS trade.

which has greatly expanded commerce and trade between the member countries.

Context and Background

Origins and Milestones of BRICS

The acronym ‘BRIC’ was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill to highlight the high-growth potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The first formal leaders’ summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia in June 2009. With South Africa joining in 2010, the coalition became BRICS.

Sentence 12 of 14

English Original

Today, BRICS accounts for half the world’s population, two fifths of the global economy and a fourth of global trade; it also includes many of the world’s top energy producers and biggest consumers.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today, BRICS half the world’s population,

At present, member nations of BRICS make up nearly 50% of all people on Earth,

Part 2

two fifths of the global economy and a fourth of global trade;

represent 40% of the world’s total economic output and 25% of international commerce;

Part 3

it also includes many of the world’s top energy

the alliance also counts among its members the leading suppliers of crude oil and natural gas

Part 4

and biggest .

as well as the largest energy-using countries.

Context and Background

BRICS Economic and Energy Weight

Following its expansion to 11 members, BRICS represents nearly half the world’s population and around 37–40% of global GDP in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms. With major hydrocarbon exporters (Russia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia) alongside massive energy importers (China, India), the bloc commands unprecedented influence in world commodity and energy markets.

Sentence 13 of 14

English Original

While the grouping prefers not to be called anti-western it is certainly a powerful counter to the G-7, and western-led thinking.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While the grouping prefers not to be called

Although the BRICS member nations avoid labeling themselves as anti-Western,

Part 2

it is certainly a powerful to the ,

the bloc clearly acts as a formidable alternative and balance to the Group of Seven (G-7) wealthy democracies,

Part 3

and western-led thinking.

as well as international institutions dominated by Western ideas and leadership.

Context and Background

BRICS vs the G-7 in Global Governance

The Group of Seven (G-7) represents advanced Western industrial economies. While several BRICS members (such as Russia and Iran) advocate for an explicitly anti-hegemonic stance, others like India, Brazil, and the UAE maintain strong ties with Western powers, positioning BRICS as a non-Western reformist platform for the Global South rather than an anti-Western military bloc.

Sentence 14 of 14

English Original

Being part of [BRICS gives India more heft] in advancing its ambitions on the global high table, and its presidency has ensured it prominence on the world stage, as leaders and representatives of 11 BRICS countries including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian begin deliberations on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam to discuss the future of global governance.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Being part of [BRICS gives India more heft]

Membership in the BRICS grouping provides India with greater strategic influence and weight

Part 2

in advancing its ambitions on the ,

in pursuing its major goals at the highest levels of international leadership and decision-making,

Part 3

and its presidency has ensured it on the world stage,

and India’s role as summit chair has guaranteed it high visibility and importance across the globe,

Part 4

as leaders and representatives of 11 BRICS countries

as heads of state and senior delegates from all 11 member nations

Part 5

including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian

including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

Part 6

begin on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam to discuss the future of .

start formal high-level discussions on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam convention complex to shape how international institutions should be governed.

Context and Background

The 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi brings together world leaders of the expanded 11-member bloc, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan), the international exhibition-convention complex that previously hosted the G20 Summit in 2023.

Sentence 1 of 14

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, taking on the challenging task of building consensus among member nations during ongoing global conflicts.
2 Managing agreement is harder now because BRICS has expanded from five original powers to 11 member nations with divergent viewpoints, including Iran and the UAE.
3 India also faces diplomatic friction regarding its stance on Israel and pressure from US President Donald Trump over BRICS trade mechanisms and currency policies.
4 Despite diverse interests, BRICS represents half the world population and substantial economic strength, serving as a key counterbalance to Western-led groupings like the G-7.
5 Successfully steering this summit and forging a joint declaration will enhance India’s stature on the world stage and advance its global governance ambitions.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial objectively evaluates the opportunities and diplomatic hurdles facing India as host of the 18th BRICS Summit. It systematically examines geopolitical divisions among expanded member states, external tensions with the United States, and the strategic advantages of economic heft for India’s global ambitions.

Sentence 1 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Forging a joint statement at a major multilateral conference,

Creating an agreed official document at a big meeting involving many nations,

Part 2

in the midst of global conflicts where members are involved

in the middle of international wars and disputes that directly affect participating countries,

Part 3

is never easy —

is always extremely challenging

Part 4

for India, hosting the [BRICS]Summit in Delhi

for India, organising the gathering of BRICS leaders in New Delhi

Part 5

is the second time in recent years, since the G-20 Summit in 2023,

marks the second major global meeting in recent times, after the 2023 G-20 summit,

Part 6

that it has had to shoulder such a responsibility.

that India has been required to take on such a heavy diplomatic duty.

Sentence 2 of 14

That, however, is not the only reason [India’s BRICS presidency] comes at a difficult time.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That, however, is not the only reason

However, that is not the single explanation

Part 2

[India’s BRICS presidency] comes at a difficult time.

why India’s role as leader of the BRICS group is happening during such a complex and testing period.

Sentence 3 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The past few occasions India has hosted the coalition of emerging economies —

The previous times India organised the summit of fast-growing developing nations

Part 2

in 2012, 2016 and virtually in 2021 —

during the years 2012, 2016, and online through video conference in 2021

Part 3

it was a smaller grouping of just five major powers,

BRICS consisted of only five founding regional heavyweight nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa),

Part 4

where managing consensus was easier.

in which reaching a common agreement among all members was much simpler.

Sentence 4 of 14

Since the [expansion in 2024]— adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — and Indonesia’s induction in 2025, BRICS’ identity has evolved, but a common focus remains elusive.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since the [expansion in 2024]—

Following the major membership expansion in 2024

Part 2

adding Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE —

which brought in Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as new members

Part 3

and Indonesia’s induction in 2025,

along with the official entry of Indonesia into the bloc in 2025,

Part 4

BRICS’ identity has evolved,

the character and scope of the BRICS grouping have significantly changed,

Part 5

but a common focus remains elusive.

yet agreeing on a single shared objective or direction continues to be very difficult to achieve.

Sentence 5 of 14

In addition, global conflicts involving BRICS members have grown.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In addition,

Furthermore,

Part 2

global conflicts involving BRICS members have grown.

international wars and disputes directly affecting BRICS countries have increased significantly.

Sentence 6 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The war involving Iran has heightened this impact,

The military conflict surrounding Iran has intensified these geopolitical difficulties,

Part 2

as Iran, a victim of the U.S.-Israel strikes,

because Iran, having suffered military attacks from the United States and Israel,

Part 3

as well as the UAE that was attacked by Iran in retaliation,

and the United Arab Emirates, which was hit by Iranian counter-strikes,

Part 4

are members that have been unwilling

are both BRICS member states that have shown reluctance

Part 5

to agree to a common narrative on the problem.

to accept a single shared official explanation or viewpoint on the Middle East conflict.

Sentence 7 of 14

India’s position on Israel also came into conflict with other members earlier this year, as the grouping has traditionally taken a much more critical line on Israel’s actions.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

India’s position on Israel also came into conflict with other members

India’s diplomatic stance regarding Israel also differed from the views of other BRICS nations

Part 2

earlier this year,

during diplomatic meetings earlier in the current year,

Part 3

as the grouping has traditionally taken

because the BRICS bloc has historically maintained

Part 4

a much more critical line on Israel’s actions.

a far stronger position of disapproval regarding Israel’s military conduct.

Sentence 8 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The largest share of New Delhi’s problems as host

The biggest portion of diplomatic challenges facing India as the host country

Part 2

comes however from the United States,

originates, nevertheless, from the United States government,

Part 3

where President Donald Trump has accused it of plotting

where US President Donald Trump has alleged that the BRICS group is secretly planning

Part 4

to overthrow the U.S. dollar’s domination of the global economy,

to end the US dollar’s role as the primary global currency,

Part 5

and has been threatening tariffs on all members

and has issued ongoing warnings of heavy import taxes against all BRICS nations

Part 6

for planning to increase intra-BRICS payments and trade.

for their initiatives to settle cross-border commerce using their own national currencies.

Sentence 9 of 14

As the Modi government seeks to restore ties with the Trump administration, on trade and its Indo-Pacific strategy, hosting BRICS also risks invoking America’s ire, however irrational.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As the Modi government seeks to restore ties with the Trump administration,

While Prime Minister Modi’s government works to rebuild and strengthen diplomatic relations with President Trump’s administration,

Part 2

on trade and its Indo-Pacific strategy,

specifically regarding commercial agreements and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region,

Part 3

hosting BRICS also risks invoking America’s ire,

leading the BRICS summit carries the danger of provoking intense anger from Washington,

Part 4

however irrational.

even if that anger is completely illogical and unjustified.

Sentence 10 of 14

As a result, a success in reconciling all these different strands at this time would indeed be a shot across the bow for the grouping and a big win for Indian diplomacy.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

As a result,

Consequently,

Part 2

a success in reconciling all these different strands at this time

succeeding in harmonising and uniting all these conflicting opinions and interests during this summit

Part 3

would indeed be a shot across the bow for the grouping

would truly serve as a powerful demonstration of collective strength and relevance for BRICS

Part 4

and a big win for Indian diplomacy.

and represent a major achievement for India’s international negotiation skills.

Sentence 11 of 14

Since it was first conceptualised 25 years ago, and a summit convened in 2009, the BRICS countries have risen in global stature and economic heft, benefitting intra-BRICS trade.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Since it was first conceptualised 25 years ago,

Ever since the idea of the bloc was first formulated 25 years ago (in 2001),

Part 2

and a summit convened in 2009,

and their first official leaders’ summit was held in 2009,

Part 3

the BRICS countries have risen in global stature and economic heft,

the member nations have grown enormously in international standing and economic power,

Part 4

benefitting intra-BRICS trade.

which has greatly expanded commerce and trade between the member countries.

Sentence 12 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Today, BRICS accounts for half the world’s population,

At present, member nations of BRICS make up nearly 50% of all people on Earth,

Part 2

two fifths of the global economy and a fourth of global trade;

represent 40% of the world’s total economic output and 25% of international commerce;

Part 3

it also includes many of the world’s top energy producers

the alliance also counts among its members the leading suppliers of crude oil and natural gas

Part 4

and biggest consumers.

as well as the largest energy-using countries.

Sentence 13 of 14

While the grouping prefers not to be called anti-western it is certainly a powerful counter to the G-7, and western-led thinking.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

While the grouping prefers not to be called anti-western

Although the BRICS member nations avoid labeling themselves as anti-Western,

Part 2

it is certainly a powerful counter to the G-7,

the bloc clearly acts as a formidable alternative and balance to the Group of Seven (G-7) wealthy democracies,

Part 3

and western-led thinking.

as well as international institutions dominated by Western ideas and leadership.

Sentence 14 of 14

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Being part of [BRICS gives India more heft]

Membership in the BRICS grouping provides India with greater strategic influence and weight

Part 2

in advancing its ambitions on the global high table,

in pursuing its major goals at the highest levels of international leadership and decision-making,

Part 3

and its presidency has ensured it prominence on the world stage,

and India’s role as summit chair has guaranteed it high visibility and importance across the globe,

Part 4

as leaders and representatives of 11 BRICS countries

as heads of state and senior delegates from all 11 member nations

Part 5

including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian

including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

Part 6

begin deliberations on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam to discuss the future of global governance.

start formal high-level discussions on Saturday at the Bharat Mandapam convention complex to shape how international institutions should be governed.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about India hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

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