NEW DELHI, Jan 13: With India taking over the mantle of BRICS 2026 presidency, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday launched the official website, theme and logo for this year, highlighting that the country’s chairmanship “will adopt a ‘humanity-first’ and ‘people-centric’ approach.”
At a ceremony in New Delhi to mark the unveiling, Mr Jaishankar said the BRICS chairship will “seek to bring together the potential of the member countries of the grouping to promote greater global welfare.”
“Launched preparations for BRICS India 2026 with the unveiling of website, theme and logo. India’s chairship of BRICS will adopt a ‘Humanity-first’ and ‘people-centric’ approach to build for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability,” Mr Jaishankar said in a post on X following the event.
“In 2026, BRICS will complete 20 years of its inception,” the EAM said, adding that the grouping has evolved as a significant platform for cooperation for emerging markets and developing economies.
Highlighting the four broad priorities of India’s chairship, Mr Jaishankar mentioned resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. “India views BRICS as a constructive platform for dialogue and development, complementing the broader multilateral system, guided by the principles of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and consensus. India will seek to make its chairship inclusive, practical, people-centred, and outcome-oriented,” he said.
India officially took over the presidency from Brazil for its fourth term on January 1 this year. The last time it held the chairship was in 2021 during the Covid pandemic.
The logo of the summit under India’s BRICS chairship is designed on the lotus flower with the middle portion depicting the salutation — ‘Namaste’. It was selected through an open contest launched by the Ministry of External Affairs on the Government’s Citizen Engagement Platform. The logo is accompanied by the tagline: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Sudeep Subhash Gandhi, whose submission was selected, said: “Namaste is the gesture of welcoming and respecting someone on arrival. As Lotus is the symbol of prosperity and India is heading in the same direction, we have designed Lotus with the colours signifying BRICS members and their unity”
On the 2026 theme, Mr Jaishankar said it underscores the importance of strengthening capacities, promoting innovation, and ensuring sustainable development for the benefit of all. He said it also reflects India’s belief that “cooperation among BRICS members can help address shared challenges in a balanced and inclusive manner.”
The BRICS India website was also launched on Tuesday morning. “It will provide information on meetings, initiatives, and outcomes, and will facilitate greater transparency and engagement. It will also help the timely dissemination of information throughout the year,” Mr Jaishankar said.
(Manas Dasgupta)
