India to Host 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, Iran Joins 21 Nations

New Delhi is set to welcome the 18th edition of the BRICS summit in 2026, with Iran confirming its representation through President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit. The Indian embassy’s social‑media channels shared the news, indicating that the Iranian delegation will participate alongside 20 other member states.

The expanded membership now totals 21 countries, comprising 11 full members and ten new entrants classified under the “BRICS Plus” initiative. Collectively, these nations account for more than 45% of the global population and roughly 35% of the world’s landmass, underscoring the bloc’s strategic significance.

According to the Iranian news outlet Mehr, the summit’s agenda will center on enhancing cooperation, promoting inclusive growth, and resisting the pressure of dominant economies that seek to impose unilateral conditions. Pezeshkian described BRICS as a vital forum to amplify the voices of emerging economies and to coordinate policies that advance shared interests.

Key topics expected to dominate the discussions include economic resilience, sustainable development, technological innovation, and the pursuit of alternatives to the US dollar in international trade. The Iranian president’s presence signals Tehran’s commitment to deepening ties within the group and contributing to the collective effort to shape a more balanced global order.