7 Powerful Reasons Russia Is Backing India’s BRICS Agenda in 2026

7 Powerful Reasons Russia Is Backing India’s BRICS Agenda in 2026—and How It Could Shape the Future of Global Governance.  Russia has thrown its full diplomatic weight behind India’s BRICS chairmanship for 2026, signalling a deepening alignment between two of the bloc’s most influential members at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.

Speaking ahead of Russian Diplomats’ Day on February 10, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described India’s BRICS agenda as “modern, highly relevant, and future-oriented,” confirming that Moscow will actively support New Delhi’s priorities throughout its tenure as chair.

India formally assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, taking the reins of an expanded bloc that now represents a significant share of global population, economic growth, and geopolitical influence. As BRICS enters its third decade, India’s leadership is being closely watched—not only by member states but also by Western powers wary of the grouping’s growing coordination.

From counter-terrorism and energy security to artificial intelligence governance and reform of global financial institutions, India’s agenda reflects a blend of immediate security concerns and long-term structural ambitions.

Lavrov’s endorsement underscores why Moscow sees India’s chairmanship as strategically important—not just for BRICS, but for the broader global order.

7 Powerful Reasons Russia Is Backing India’s BRICS Agenda in 2026

India’s BRICS 2026 Chairmanship: A Strategic Moment

India’s assumption of the BRICS chairmanship comes at a defining moment for the bloc.

Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded significantly over the past two years.

The grouping now includes 11 full members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—along with several partner countries.

This expansion has transformed BRICS from an emerging-markets forum into a major geopolitical platform capable of influencing debates on global governance, development finance, energy security, and technology norms.

India has framed its 2026 chairmanship around the theme:

“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

According to Indian officials, the agenda is rooted in a “people-centric” and “humanity-first” approach, aligning development priorities with security and technological transformation.

Lavrov’s remarks indicate that Russia sees strong continuity between its own 2024 presidency, Brazil’s 2025 chairmanship, and India’s current leadership—rather than abrupt policy shifts.

1. Counter-Terrorism at the Core of India’s Agenda

One of the strongest pillars of India’s BRICS agenda—and a key reason for Russian backing—is counter-terrorism.

Lavrov emphasised that terrorist activity remains a pressing global threat, particularly in regions directly affecting BRICS members.

“Terrorist activities are observed in Afghanistan, along its borders, and along the India–Pakistan–Afghanistan corridor, as well as in other hotspots,” Lavrov said.

Why Counter-Terrorism Matters to BRICS

For both India and Russia, terrorism is not an abstract concern. It directly affects national security, regional stability, and economic development.

• India has long faced cross-border terrorism and regional instability.
• Russia continues to confront extremist threats linked to broader regional conflicts.
• Several BRICS members are affected by instability in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia.

Lavrov highlighted joint efforts by India and Russia at the United Nations to advance a Comprehensive Global Counter-Terrorism Convention, a draft that has existed for years but remains blocked by lack of consensus.

Under India’s chairmanship, BRICS could become a stronger coordination platform for intelligence sharing, capacity building, and diplomatic pressure against terrorism financing and safe havens.

2. Energy Security in a Fragmenting Global Order

Another central reason behind Russia’s support is India’s emphasis on energy security—an issue gaining urgency amid shifting global energy policies.

Lavrov explicitly linked this priority to recent actions by the Trump administration in the global energy sector.

“Energy security will be particularly important in the context of actions taken by the Trump administration in the global energy sector. These are practical matters with tangible implications,” he said.

Energy as a Strategic Lever

Energy security has become a geopolitical tool:

• Sanctions regimes
• Supply chain disruptions
• Price volatility
• Weaponisation of energy trade

As a major energy producer, Russia has a direct interest in shaping alternative energy cooperation frameworks within BRICS.

India, one of the world’s fastest-growing energy consumers, brings scale, demand, and diplomatic credibility.

Together, they see BRICS as a mechanism to:

• Promote diversified energy supply chains
• Reduce vulnerability to unilateral sanctions
• Strengthen cooperation on oil, gas, renewables, and nuclear energy

3. Food Security and Development Stability

Alongside energy, India has prioritised food security, recognising its growing importance amid climate change, conflict, and supply disruptions.

Lavrov noted that India’s agenda reflects real-world challenges faced by developing and emerging economies, where food inflation and shortages can quickly translate into political instability.

For BRICS members—many of which are major agricultural producers and importers—food security cooperation is increasingly linked to:

• Climate resilience
• Sustainable agriculture
• Trade stability
• Humanitarian coordination

Russia’s backing reflects its interest in keeping food systems insulated from geopolitical shocks and trade weaponisation.

4. AI Governance and ICT Security: Shaping Future Norms

One of the most forward-looking elements of India’s BRICS agenda—and a key area of Russian interest—is technology governance, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Lavrov confirmed that India will host a major AI summit in February 2026, to which Russia has been invited and is actively contributing.

“Norms regulating AI use between states, and AI applications by individual states, are only now being established,” Lavrov said.

Why AI Governance Is a Diplomatic Battleground

AI is no longer just a technological issue—it is a strategic and security concern.

Lavrov warned that some countries are already integrating AI into military systems, raising concerns over escalation, accountability, and sovereignty.

“While each state has the right to determine its own approach, certain countries are already attempting to centralise control… BRICS members will not accept infringements on their sovereignty,” he said.

India’s approach seeks:

• Transparency without external control
• State sovereignty in AI deployment
• Cooperative norm-setting rather than imposed rules

For Russia and other BRICS members, this stance offers an alternative to Western-led frameworks that they view as restrictive or exclusionary.

5. Continuity in BRICS’ Long-Term Vision

Lavrov stressed that India’s priorities are not a departure from past BRICS leadership, but part of a consistent long-term strategy.

During Russia’s 2024 chairmanship, Moscow launched initiatives focused on:

• Alternative financial mechanisms
• Resilient supply chains
• Economic cooperation outside traditional Western institutions

These initiatives were carried forward under Brazil in 2025 and are now being refined under India’s leadership.

This continuity strengthens BRICS’ credibility as a serious, evolving platform, rather than an ad-hoc political grouping.

6. Reforming—Not Replacing—Global Financial Institutions

Contrary to Western narratives, Lavrov made it clear that BRICS is not seeking to dismantle institutions like the IMF, World Bank, or WTO.

“We are not advocating for the abolition of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank or the World Trade Organisation,” he said.

Instead, BRICS countries want reform—specifically:

• Voting rights proportional to economic weight
• Fair representation for fast-growing economies
• Modernisation of governance structures

Lavrov argued that despite decades of calls for reform, Western countries have consistently resisted meaningful change.

India’s chairmanship places renewed emphasis on equitable global governance, aligning closely with Russia’s long-standing position.

7. De-Dollarisation Without Isolation

Lavrov also addressed speculation around BRICS and the US dollar.

While acknowledging that the dollar has been weaponised through sanctions, he clarified that Russia is not refusing to use it outright.

However, he criticised both the Biden and Trump administrations for continuing policies that undermine trust in the global financial system.

India’s approach—promoting local currency trade, alternative payment systems, and financial resilience—offers a pragmatic path that avoids economic isolation while reducing systemic vulnerability.

India’s BRICS Leadership in Action: Sherpa Meetings in New Delhi

India’s agenda is already translating into diplomatic activity.

The first BRICS Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa Meeting under India’s chairmanship was held in New Delhi, bringing together senior representatives from member and partner countries.

India’s BRICS Sherpa Sudhakar Dalela outlined priorities anchored in:

• Inclusive growth
• Development cooperation
• Global stability

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described BRICS as a “valuable forum for international cooperation, consultation, and coordination” as it marks its 20th anniversary.

A Defining Year for BRICS—and India

Russia’s unequivocal support for India’s BRICS 2026 agenda reflects more than bilateral goodwill. It signals confidence in India’s ability to bridge development, security, and technology within a rapidly changing global order.

With counter-terrorism, energy security, AI governance, and institutional reform at the forefront, India’s chairmanship could shape BRICS’ role for years to come—transforming it from a coalition of emerging economies into a coherent force in global governance.

As Lavrov’s remarks make clear, Moscow sees India not just as a chair—but as a strategic anchor for BRICS in an era defined by fragmentation, competition, and profound technological change.

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