In the era of US President Donald Trump’s tough decisions and increasing pressures on global trade, the chairmanship of BRICS has now been handed over to India. This responsibility received by India from Brazil is not only a formal change, but is also being considered as a strong political and strategic signal in the current international situation. India is going to officially take over the chairmanship of BRICS from January 1.
message hidden in hammer
During the transfer of BRICS chairmanship, a deep message was given through symbols. After the steel hammer received from Russia, in 2024, Brazil handed over to India a hammer made of recycled wood from the Amazon rainforest. Brazil’s BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Lirio said that this symbol reflects sustainable development, strength of partnership and confidence in India’s leadership ability.
Review of achievements made in Brazil meeting
The BRICS Sherpas meeting held in Brazil on 11–12 December focused not only on symbolic issues but also on reviewing concrete progress. Representatives of 11 member states assessed the achievements made until 2025 during Brazil’s presidency.
‘The real test is the impact on people’s lives’
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said that the relevance of BRICS will now be judged not only by diplomatic statements, but by the real impact it has on the lives of common people. He said that the group will have to remain focused on concrete results.
Focus on sustainability and inclusion under Brazil’s presidency
During its tenure, Brazil kept BRICS focused around sustainable development and inclusive growth. The summit in Rio de Janeiro in July resulted in three important initiatives – agreement on a governance framework for artificial intelligence, work on climate finance and a partnership to eliminate socially caused diseases.
Trump administration’s allegations and threats of tariffs
Brazil’s presidency came at a time when the Trump administration accused BRICS of weakening the US dollar and threatened to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on member countries. Both India and Brazil have been targets of Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
India’s presidency in 2026, challenging global environment
Now India’s presidency for 2026 is starting at a time when Trump’s second term has increased uncertainty in global trade and diplomacy. India has indicated that its BRICS chairmanship will be based on core principles such as flexibility, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
India’s priorities on climate, AI and development finance
India is preparing to take forward the initiatives already started on issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, scientific cooperation and development finance. India’s role in these areas is considered important not only for BRICS but also for the global balance amid changing American policies.
The biggest challenge is to avoid becoming an anti-American platform.
Amidst Trump’s pressure and threats of tariffs, the biggest challenge for India will be to prevent BRICS from emerging as an anti-American group. India will try to strengthen the group as a positive option for multilateral cooperation, development and dialogue. The coming term may prove to be a diplomatic litmus test for India.
