Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is currently serving as the nerve center of global diplomacy as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026.
Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this high-profile conference brings together world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Beyond its immense significance for world politics and the global economy, this summit is a goldmine of Current Affairs and General Knowledge (GK) for candidates preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and State PSCs.
18th BRICS Summit 2026: Quick Overview
| Event Details | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 18th BRICS Summit 2026 |
| Dates & Venue | September 12–13, 2026 | Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India |
| Host Nation | India (4th time: Previously hosted in 2012, 2016, and 2021) |
| Official Theme | Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability |
| Total Member Countries | 11 Full-time Members |
| Official Logo Symbolism | Lotus petal design featuring member country colors with a ‘Namaste’ gesture at the center |
Summary of BRICS Key Facts
| Category | Fast Facts |
|---|---|
| Founding Members (BRIC) | Brazil, Russia, India, China |
| First Summit | June 16, 2009 (Yekaterinburg, Russia) |
| South Africa Induction | 2010 (Formally renamed to BRICS) |
| 2024 Expansion | Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and UAE |
| 2025 Induction | Indonesia |
| New Development Bank (NDB) HQ | Shanghai, China |
Top 15 BRICS Summit 2026 GK Questions & Answers
1. Where was the 18th BRICS Summit held on September 12–13, 2026?
- (A) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- (B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (India)
- (C) Shanghai, China
- (D) Moscow, Russia
Answer: The correct option is (B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi (India). The 18th BRICS Summit took place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
2. How many times has India hosted the BRICS Summit as of 2026?
- (A) 2nd time
- (B) 3rd time
- (C) 4th time
- (D) 5th time
Answer: The correct option is (C) 4th time. India has hosted the summit four times so far, with previous editions held in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
3. What is the official theme of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026?
- (A) Inclusive and Sustainable Governance
- (B) Strengthening Global South Cooperation
- (C) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
- (D) Digital Economy and Trade Expansion
Answer: The correct option is (C) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. This theme emphasizes economic stability, technological progress, and sustainable development among member nations.
4. How many full-time member countries belong to BRICS as of 2026?
- (A) 5
- (B) 9
- (C) 11 Member Countries
- (D) 15
Answer: The correct option is (C) 11 Member Countries. Following successive expansions in 2024 and 2025, BRICS currently consists of 11 full member nations.
5. Which of the following nations was NOT an original founding member of BRIC?
- (A) Brazil
- (B) South Africa
- (C) India
- (D) China
Answer: The correct option is (B) South Africa. The group was initially formed as BRIC by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa officially joined the block in 2010.
6. When and where was the very first BRIC Summit held?
- (A) June 16, 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia
- (B) May 15, 2010 in New Delhi, India
- (C) April 10, 2008 in Beijing, China
- (D) September 20, 2009 in Brasília, Brazil
Answer: The correct option is (A) June 16, 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The inaugural summit of the BRIC group was hosted by Russia in 2009.
7. Which area is NOT one of the three main pillars of BRICS cooperation?
- (A) Political and Security Cooperation
- (B) Economic and Financial Cooperation
- (C) Cultural and People-to-People Exchange
- (D) Military Alliance and Defense Treaty
Answer: The correct option is (D) Military Alliance and Defense Treaty. BRICS focuses on political, economic, and socio-cultural collaboration, but it does not function as a formal military alliance.
8. Which nations joined BRICS as full members during the major 2024 expansion?
- (A) Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and UAE
- (B) Argentina, Mexico, and Canada
- (C) Japan, South Korea, and Australia
- (D) Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal
Answer: The correct option is (A) Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and UAE. These four countries officially integrated as full members during the summit expansion in 2024.
9. Where is the headquarters of the New Development Bank (NDB) located?
- (A) New Delhi, India
- (B) Shanghai, China
- (C) Moscow, Russia
- (D) Johannesburg, South Africa
Answer: The correct option is (B) Shanghai, China. Established by BRICS nations to fund infrastructure and sustainable projects, the NDB has its main office in Shanghai.
10. Which cultural gesture is featured at the center of the 18th BRICS Summit logo?
- (A) Ashoka Chakra
- (B) Namaste Symbol
- (C) Peacock Motif
- (D) Shankha
Answer: The correct option is (B) Namaste Symbol. The official logo incorporates lotus petals featuring member nation colors, with the traditional Indian ‘Namaste’ greeting positioned in the middle.
11. Where was the 17th BRICS Summit held in 2025?
- (A) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- (B) Kazan, Russia
- (C) Durban, South Africa
- (D) Beijing, China
Answer: The correct option is (A) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil served as the host nation for the 17th BRICS Summit in 2025.
12. What was the theme of the 17th BRICS Summit (2025)?
- (A) Economic Growth and International Trade
- (B) Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance
- (C) Green Energy and Climate Action
- (D) Innovation and Digital Transformation
Answer: The correct option is (B) Strengthening Global South Cooperation for Inclusive and Sustainable Governance. This theme highlighted the crucial role of developing economies in global decision-making.
13. Which country joined BRICS as a full-time member in 2025?
- (A) Indonesia
- (B) Myanmar
- (C) Thailand
- (D) Vietnam
Answer: The correct option is (A) Indonesia. Indonesia joined the group as a full member in 2025, further expanding BRICS representation in Southeast Asia.
14. What is the primary objective of the New Development Bank (NDB)?
- (A) Providing military grants to member states
- (B) Financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies
- (C) Replacing World Trade Organization regulations
- (D) Offering short-term emergency food aid exclusively
Answer: The correct option is (B) Financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies. The bank aims to mobilize resources for growth initiatives across developing countries.
15. In which year was group renamed from BRIC to BRICS following South Africa’s induction?
- (A) 2009
- (B) 2010
- (C) 2011
- (D) 2012
Answer: The correct option is (B) 2010. The grouping officially adopted the name ‘BRICS’ in 2010 after welcoming South Africa into the alliance.
