Delhi BRICS Summit 2026: The BRICS Summit is being held in Delhi on September 12-13The Delhi Summit is a major diplomatic test for India to strengthen BRICS and maintain balance in its strategic relationship with the United States.
Published: September 9, 2026, 10:56 AM IST
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BRICS summit: How is India planning to navigate Trump’s tariff threats, Iran tensions, and China’s shadow to guard its strategic autonomy
Delhi BRICS Summit 2026 News: The entire world is watching the BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in Delhi on September 12 and 13But if anyone is watching the summit most closely, it is India, which will try to navigate Trump’s tariff threats, Iran tensions, and China’s shadow to guard its strategic autonomy. US President Donald Trump has also reasons to worry because of BRICS’ expanding scope, its efforts to distance itself from the dollar, and the unification of countries like Russia, China, and Iran under India’s hostingSo the question now is: what impact could this summit in India have on the United States?
What is India’s challenge?
The presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Delhi will be crucialIran is now a member of BRICS and faces US pressurePezeshkian’s visit to India reflects the changing geopolitical character of BRICS, which Washington will closely monitorThe challenge for India will be to balance its vital strategic and economic relationship with the United States while working with countries like Iran, Russia, and China within BRICS.
What is the reason for US’ concern?
BRICS is no longer limited to just Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South AfricaMany new countries, including Iran, have joined itThis means it’s a platform whose economic and political reach is constantly expandingAnd this expansion is a cause for concern for the United States, especially because some countries within BRICS are calling for changes to the current global economic system, such as reducing dependence on the US dollar, increasing trade in local currencies, and strengthening alternative payment systems.
However, India’s position is clear: BRICS should not serve as an anti-US or anti-West alliance, but rather as a voice of the Global South and a platform for practical economic cooperationThis balance makes this summit even more important.
And why is Iran’s presence important for India?
Now the question is, why is the dollar being considered a threat to BRICS? Even today, the dollar remains the strongest currency in global trade and foreign-exchange reservesHowever, BRICS’ economic weight is increasingMany of its members want to reduce their dependence on the dollar amid sanctions and geopolitical pressuresTherefore, issues such as local currency settlements, alternative payment mechanisms, and digital financial connectivity are on the BRICS agendaBut here too, India’s approach is cautious and balanced.
Why is the New Development Bank important for India?
The New Development Bank (NDB) has approved projects worth billions of dollars to dateIt is playing a crucial role in accelerating India’s infrastructure and sustainable developmentBy March 2026, the NDB has approved approximately $9.5 billion for 32 projects in IndiaThis funding is being invested in sectors such as metro and RRTS, roads and bridges, water and sanitation, clean energy, and healthKey examples include $500 million for the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS, $633.8 million for two bridge projects in Assam, and $300 million for renewable energyThis means the New Development Bank is providing long-term financing to strengthen India’s connectivity, urban transportation, clean energy, and infrastructureThis means the BRICS Bank is not just a bank; it is another option for development financing for the Global SouthAnd this is the most strategic point of this entire story.
