The 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi marked two decades of group collaboration, focusing on expanding multilateral cooperation across critical minerals, clean-tech manufacturing, energy, technology, and regional supply chains, according to CEO Insights Asia. The meeting highlighted opportunities for industrial expansion and cross-border connectivity involving members India, China, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and partner country Kazakhstan.
India's 2026 presidency featured more than 400 meetings across 30 cities aimed at pragmatic economic coordination. China is set to assume the group's presidency in 2027, where its agenda will focus on deepening economic and technological collaboration while accommodating the varied economic priorities of member states.
On the bilateral investment front, the report noted a proposed $11.5 billion investment by the UAE's International Holding Company (IHC) into an integrated greenfield aluminium project located in Odisha, India. Described as India's largest integrated aluminium venture, the initiative is paired with discussions between India and the UAE on nuclear energy, technology, and innovation under the BRICS umbrella.
Resource-rich members including Indonesia and Kazakhstan also emphasized shifting beyond raw material exports toward local processing, infrastructure, and clean technology. The resulting New Delhi Declaration called for greater participation of developing economies in advanced manufacturing, enhanced technology transfers, and the increased use of national currencies in trade.
Sources
- CEO Insights Asia · 2026-09-25
