India, March 31 -- India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2026 at a time of profound global churn. The international system is under strain from geopolitical fragmentation, climate disruption, and growing inequities in access to essential resources. For the Global South in particular, these pressures are not abstract-they manifest themselves daily in water stress, food and energy insecurity, and climate-induced displacement.

BRICS, which began as a four-country forum in 2009 and expanded to include South Africa in 2010, has steadily evolved into a central platform for developing countries seeking greater voice and agency in global economic governance. With its recent expansion, BRICS now comprises ten members-Brazil, Russia, In...