International RelationsImportant2026-02-10

First BRICS Sherpas Meeting 2026 in New Delhi

In News

What Happened

On February 9 and 10, 2026, India hosted the first meeting of BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas in New Delhi. This event formally launched India's 2026 BRICS Chairmanship. It featured active participation from the expanded BRICS membership, including delegates from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.

Why It Matters

This chairmanship is vital for India as it positions New Delhi as the primary voice of the Global South within an expanded multilateral framework. It gives India significant leverage to steer the global economic agenda, balance major power rivalries, and push for reforms in international institutions.

Background

History & Context

The BRICS grouping was formalized in 2009 and expanded to include South Africa in 2010. On January 1, 2024, the bloc underwent its first major expansion, officially admitting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. Following Brazil's presidency in 2025, India assumed the rotational chairmanship in 2026, marking its first time leading the newly expanded nine-member coalition.

What Changed

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BEFORE: India chaired a five-member BRICS grouping during its previous presidency in 2021. NOW: India is managing an expanded nine-member BRICS grouping, requiring more complex diplomatic consensus-building.
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BEFORE: BRICS Sherpa meetings were limited to delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. NOW: The meetings formally integrate Sherpas from Middle Eastern and African nations, altering the bloc's regional dynamics.
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BEFORE: The bloc's agenda heavily prioritized the economic trajectories of the original five emerging markets. NOW: The inclusion of major energy producers and African nations has shifted focus toward broader Global South issues like energy security and regional stability.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This development aligns with Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 (Alternative Centres of Power). The expansion of BRICS and India's leadership role demonstrate how non-Western emerging economies are creating influential multilateral coalitions to balance traditional Western-dominated global institutions.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements regarding the 2026 BRICS Sherpas meeting is/are correct? 1. The 2026 meeting in New Delhi marked India's first time chairing the expanded nine-member BRICS grouping. 2. Argentina officially participated as a new full member during this Sherpas meeting.

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