India's BRICS Summit 2026 awaits Strategic Opportunities in Global Fashion

India is all set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, and it is poised to create significant opportunities for the textile, apparel, handloom, and handicraft sectors. The leaders of BRICS nations at their summit in Rio de Janeiro have unanimously extended their full support to India's Chairship, scheduled to be held in 2026. The endorsement came in a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the 17th BRICS Summit held on 5th July 2025 in Brazil to the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

- By Dr Vidhu Sekhar P, Assistant Professor, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India

The BRICS economic bloc has undergone significant expansion since its inception. Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the group welcomed South Africa in 2010. A major expansion in 2024 added four new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia became the organisation's latest member in January 2025. Beyond its core membership, BRICS has established partnerships with numerous countries and continues to attract interest from others seeking to join its ranks.

The BRICS group, with its mix of major producer and consumer nations, offers Indian textiles and apparel an expanded export opportunity. Recent years have seen Indian apparel exports to BRICS nations rise significantly—woven apparel exports increased by approximately 10%, and knitted apparel exports grew by 23% in early 2024 compared to the previous year. Exports to Russia alone jumped by 65% from January to April 2024 over the same period in 2023. Hosting the summit will likely strengthen these trade ties and open new markets within the bloc.