India to Chair BRICS in 2026: A Historic Milestone Begins in Addis Ababa
As India prepares to assume the chairmanship of BRICS in 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia has been described by the country’s envoy as a landmark moment. The meetings in Addis Ababa are not just a bilateral engagement; they are being framed as a signal of India’s broader strategy to deepen ties with Africa while preparing to steer one of the world’s most influential blocs.
Delegates and diplomats say the Ethiopian leg of Modi’s travel schedule will set the stage for enhanced collaboration across trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people links. With the BRICS chairmanship coming into reach, New Delhi is likely to emphasize a forward-looking, inclusive agenda that aligns with both the interests of BRICS members and developing economies in Africa and beyond.
Why the 2026 BRICS Chairmanship Matters
BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a complex mix of economies, political philosophies, and development models. India’s ascent to the chair will shape agendas on development finance, infrastructure cooperation, and equitable global governance. Analysts expect India to champion reform in multilateral institutions, strengthen South-South cooperation, and broaden BRICS’ role in addressing climate finance, digital inclusion, and health resilience.
Indian officials underscore that the 2026 leadership offers a chance to push concrete outcomes rather than symbolic gestures. The emphasis is expected to be on tangible development partnerships, increased intra-BRICS trade, and a practical framework for cost-effective collaboration among emerging economies. The Ethiopian visit is seen as a practical step in this broader plan, signaling readiness to engage with Africa’s development priorities on terms that are mutually beneficial.
Modi in Ethiopia: Signaling a New Phase of Engagement
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ethiopia is being framed as a historic moment by India’s envoy, who stresses that Africa’s role in global affairs is steadily rising. The discussions in Addis Ababa are anticipated to cover expanding bilateral trade, energy cooperation, capacity building, and security collaboration in a region facing rapid political and economic change.
The Ethiopian government is keen on reinforcing ties in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology, while India seeks to share its experience in health systems and digital governance. The prospective agreements are expected to include investment commitments, vocational training programs, and increased people-to-people exchanges that nurture long-term friendship and mutual benefit.
Diplomatic Strategy: Aligning Africa’s Interests with BRICS’ Vision
New Delhi’s diplomatic strategy appears to be one of inclusive growth. By engaging with Ethiopia and other African partners ahead of the 2026 BRICS summit, India aims to create a more balanced narrative around globalization—one that recognizes the needs of developing economies while promoting a rules-based order.
Observers also note that the Ethiopian engagement could help shape BRICS’ programmatic priorities, particularly in infrastructure funding, sustainable development, and digital connectivity. With India’s experience in implementing large-scale development projects, there is optimism that BRICS will benefit from knowledge-sharing and joint initiatives that reduce development gaps.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from 2026 BRICS and Beyond
As the BRICS chair, India could facilitate new frameworks for development finance, including blended finance models and regional collaboration hubs in Africa and Asia. Expect discussions on enhancing trade routes, easing visa and travel norms for business and professionals, and expanding educational exchanges to nurture a new generation of scholars and entrepreneurs who can drive inclusive growth.
In the immediate term, Modi’s visit to Ethiopia will likely produce maiden agreements that pave the way for stronger cooperation, setting a cooperative tempo for India’s BRICS leadership. The combination of a historic bilateral visit with a pivotal multilateral role signals a strategic shift toward a more assertive and constructive Indian diplomacy.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for Growth and Global Governance
India’s bid to chair BRICS in 2026, complemented by Prime Minister Modi’s Ethiopia visit, represents a calculated stride toward reaffirming partnerships with Africa while shaping a more inclusive global governance framework. As diplomats and analysts watch closely, the coming years could redefine how emerging economies collaborate to meet shared development challenges and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.
