India’s BRICS chairmanship has received praise from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who has highlighted the grouping’s potential to promote global peace and cooperation. His remarks come as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
Sarma’s comments place the focus on the wider diplomatic role India can play during its fourth BRICS chairship. He has also called for a global peace plan, reflecting the growing importance of dialogue and cooperation as conflicts and geopolitical tensions continue to affect several regions.
India’s BRICS chairmanship gains wider significance
India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, for the fourth time after earlier presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021. This year’s chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” and the broader approach of “Humanity First”.
The grouping has expanded significantly in recent years. Its members now include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to the Indian government.
Against this backdrop, India’s BRICS chairmanship offers New Delhi an opportunity to push practical cooperation while also addressing major global challenges.
Sarma backs a stronger global peace effort
Sarma’s emphasis on peace comes at a time when international tensions remain high. The BRICS summit is taking place amid conflicts and disagreements that have placed pressure on global diplomacy.
The Assam chief minister’s call for a global peace plan underlines the need for nations to use dialogue rather than prolonged confrontation. Such an approach is also consistent with India’s broader diplomatic emphasis on cooperation, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes.
However, a peace plan involving several countries would require agreement among nations with different strategic interests. BRICS itself brings together countries with varied political positions and foreign-policy priorities.
India’s BRICS chairmanship and diplomacy
The Indian government has repeatedly linked its BRICS presidency with efforts to build a safer and more inclusive global environment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India’s chairship will focus on practical cooperation, support the priorities of the Global South and contribute to a safer, more secure and inclusive world.
Therefore, Sarma’s remarks fit into a broader national conversation about using multilateral platforms to address shared challenges.
New Delhi summit comes at a critical time
The upcoming BRICS summit will bring leaders together in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Discussions are expected to cover global and regional issues, alongside areas such as economic cooperation, technology, sustainability and development.
Recent reporting has also highlighted efforts by India to strengthen cooperation on cross-border digital payments among BRICS members. At the same time, geopolitical differences within the expanded grouping remain a challenge.
As a result, India’s leadership will involve balancing ambitious proposals with the different interests of member states.
India’s BRICS chairmanship faces major challenges
The growing size of BRICS gives the forum greater international reach, but it also makes consensus more difficult. Members have different relationships with major powers and different views on conflicts, trade and global governance.
India has sought to present BRICS as a platform for cooperation rather than confrontation. Official material on the 2026 chairship says the grouping serves as a forum for consultation on global political and economic governance, while its agenda covers development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
Consequently, any push for a global peace plan would depend on sustained diplomatic engagement and broad agreement.
Assam CM highlights India’s global role
Sarma’s comments add an Assam perspective to the discussion around India’s expanding diplomatic role. His support for a global peace initiative comes as the country prepares for a major international summit involving some of the world’s largest emerging economies.
Meanwhile, India’s BRICS chairmanship is expected to remain focused on practical cooperation and the priorities of the Global South. For New Delhi, the challenge will be to turn those priorities into concrete outcomes while maintaining dialogue among countries with differing interests.
Overall, Sarma’s message reflects the wider expectation that India’s BRICS presidency should contribute not only to economic and strategic cooperation, but also to efforts for greater stability and peace in an increasingly divided world.
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