Implications of BRICS 2026 for a Multipolar World

Heads of state and government of member, partner, and external engagement countries attend a plenary session of the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 7, 2025. [AFP]

Recently the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean Noel Barrot, while meeting the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, made an interesting observation that France was heading the G7 (in which India has been a permanent invitee for over a decade) and India was the chair of BRICS in 2026 and both strategic partners had great possibility of cooperation for enhancing multilateralism.

Both countries believe and subscribe to it. President Macron further underscored that India is going to be the President of BRICS. I want to work with India to build bridges. BRICS countries must not become anti-G7 and G7 must not become anti-BRICS.