What's happened
BRICS leaders have announced a new integrated early warning system for infectious diseases and reaffirmed support for a multipolar world order, calling for reforms to global institutions and greater use of local currencies in trade as ties among member states deepen. The summit underscores concerns over Middle East tensions and sanctions, while highlighting cooperation on food security, energy, digital infrastructure, AI and climate action.
What's behind the headline?
Writing strategy notes
- The summit signals a deliberate shift toward a multipolar global order, with emphasis on reducing dependence on Western-dominated financial systems.
- Leaders are presenting a united front on sanctions and tariff barriers, arguing for dialogue over unilateral measures.
- The path forward hinges on concrete mechanisms (e.g., regional payment systems, currency use) and collective responses to climate, food security, and AI governance.
Key questions for readers
- How will BRICS reforms reshape global institutions in practice?
- Which countries may align with BRICS’ push for a multipolar order, and what does this mean for Western alliances?
- What are the potential implications for global trade and technology policy in the near term?
How we got here
The BRICS bloc, founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, has expanded to 11 members representing a large share of the world’s population and economic output. Leaders seek greater representation for developing countries and reforms to the UN Security Council and global financial institutions. The recent New Delhi gathering follows high-level talks among Modi, Xi, Putin and other leaders, aiming to reset relationships and coordinate policy in a multipolar framework.
Our analysis
AP News reports from New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026 detail Modi and Xi’s efforts to thaw relations and coordinate BRICS’ agenda. The coverage highlights calls for a multipolar world, sanctions reform, and expanded financial cooperation. See AP News articles by Sun. Sept 13, 2026 and Sat. Sept 12, 2026 for direct quotes and official declarations.
Go deeper
- What concrete steps will BRICS take to implement the early warning system for diseases?
- How might currency and trade reforms affect everyday prices for consumers in member states?
More on these topics
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BRICS - Association of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia
BRICS is the acronym coined to associate five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS members are known for their significant influence on regional affairs.
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Xi Jinping - General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party
Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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New Delhi - Capital of India
New Delhi is a district located in NCT Delhi. New Delhi serves as the capital of India and the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The foundation stone of New Delhi was laid by Emperor George V during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. It was de
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Narendra Modi - Prime Minister of India
Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician serving as the 14th and current Prime Minister of India since 2014. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014, and is the Member of Parliament for Varanasi.
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Beijing - Capital of China
Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².
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India - Country in South Asia
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.