The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 under India’s chairship. Its theme was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The summit brought BRICS leaders together to discuss trade, investment, finance, technology, agriculture, supply chains and sustainable development. Its outcomes can create valuable opportunities for Indian exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, startups and service providers. However, businesses must understand that the summit did not automatically create duty-free trade or guaranteed export orders.
The opportunities will come from improved cooperation, financing, payment systems, customs processes and direct business connections. Read the official BRICS New Delhi Declaration
What Is BRICS?
BRICS is a cooperation platform connecting some of the world’s major emerging economies. Its expanded membership gives Indian businesses access to diverse markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.
These countries have strong demand for food products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, machinery, technology, consumer goods, renewable-energy solutions and professional services.
Major Benefits of BRICS 2026 for India
1. Stronger position in the Global South
Hosting the summit strengthened India’s position as a leading voice for emerging and developing economies. India supported a more balanced global trade system and greater representation for developing countries in international institutions.
A stronger diplomatic position can help India negotiate better trade cooperation, market access and investment partnerships.
2. More trade and investment opportunities
The summit supported balanced trade, resilient supply chains, industrial cooperation and stronger business connections among BRICS countries.
This can help Indian companies find:
- New importers and distributors
- Joint-venture partners
- Technology providers
- Contract manufacturers
- Investment opportunities
- Alternative sourcing markets
3. Infrastructure and development finance
BRICS leaders supported a larger role for the New Development Bank in infrastructure, sustainable development and local-currency financing.
Better ports, logistics, transport, digital connectivity and industrial infrastructure can reduce business costs and improve India’s export competitiveness.
4. Support for startups and manufacturing
The declaration supported startup-led innovation, industrial cooperation, technology transfer and Industry 4.0 adoption. It also welcomed the BRICS Incubator Network, Startup Knowledge Hub and India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies.
These initiatives can help Indian startups and manufacturers improve technology, productivity and international market access.
How BRICS 2026 Can Help Indian Exporters?
Easier access to trade finance
A major challenge for small exporters is the shortage of affordable working capital. BRICS countries welcomed guiding principles for credit assessment of export-oriented MSMEs. They also supported further study of an invoice-discounting mechanism that could help MSMEs receive working capital against unpaid export invoices.
The Jaipur Consensus specifically focuses on closing the MSME trade-finance gap and expanding small businesses’ participation in global markets. See the official BRICS Trade Ministers’ outcomes.
Faster and more affordable payments
BRICS is exploring faster, safer and lower-cost cross-border payment systems. Members are also discussing trade settlements and investments using local currencies. This does not mean that a common BRICS currency has been launched. However, future payment cooperation may reduce transaction costs, currency-conversion difficulties and payment delays for exporters.
Digital export documentation
BRICS members supported cooperation in the digitisation of trade documents. Digital documentation can make international trade more transparent, efficient and convenient.
Indian exporters may eventually benefit through:
- Faster document processing
- Lower paperwork costs
- Better shipment tracking
- Fewer documentation errors
- Improved coordination with buyers and logistics partners
Better customs cooperation
BRICS countries agreed to strengthen customs cooperation and information sharing. They also supported the BRICS Authorised Economic Operator Action Plan 2026.
Greater customs cooperation can help reliable exporters receive smoother cargo clearance, better compliance support and more predictable movement of goods.
Participation in global value chains
The BRICS Global Value Chain Action Plan 2026–2030 focuses on resilient supply chains, technical cooperation, infrastructure and industrial capacity.
Indian companies do not need to export only finished products. They can also supply components, ingredients, packaging materials, technology and business services to larger international manufacturers.
Agricultural and food-export opportunities
The summit supported discussions on increasing intra-BRICS trade in agricultural products and food-production inputs. It also continued work on the proposed BRICS Grain Exchange and cooperation in sustainable agriculture.
This can create opportunities for Indian products such as:
- Spices and packed foods
- Rice and grains
- Foxnuts or makhana
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Tea and coffee
- Jaggery and natural sweeteners
- Processed foods
- Marine products
- Agricultural machinery and inputs
The declaration supports further discussions—it does not remove each country’s import rules. Exporters must still comply with product registration, quality, packaging, labelling and phytosanitary requirements.
Promising Export Sectors
Indian businesses can explore BRICS markets in the following sectors:
- Agriculture and processed food
- Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
- Textiles, garments and leather
- Engineering goods and automobile components
- Renewable-energy equipment
- Electronics and electrical products
- Gems and jewellery
- IT and digitally delivered services
- Education and professional consulting
- Logistics and supply-chain services
The best opportunity will differ by country. Exporters should select markets using actual demand, import data, competition, pricing and compliance requirements.
How Indian Exporters Should Prepare?
1. Select the right market: Do not approach every BRICS country at the same time. Select one or two markets based on product demand, logistics, competition and payment risk.
2. Study import regulations: Check the country’s product standards, certificates, labelling requirements, customs duties and restricted-product rules before sending samples.
3. Prepare professional sales material: Create a company profile, product catalogue, price list, specification sheet, packaging options and export certificates.
4. Find verified buyers: Connect with importers, distributors, supermarkets, wholesalers, manufacturers and e-commerce companies through trade fairs, business councils, LinkedIn and verified business databases.
5. Offer suitable packaging: Provide retail, bulk, private-label and customised packaging wherever possible. Local-language labels can improve acceptance in some markets.
6. Use safe payment terms: For a new buyer, consider advance payment, an irrevocable letter of credit, export credit insurance or another protected payment method.
7. Start with samples or a trial shipment: A smaller first order helps both sides test product quality, documentation, delivery time and market response before committing to a larger shipment.
Important Reality Check
BRICS creates a platform for cooperation, but exporters must still build their businesses through research and execution.
BRICS 2026 did not automatically provide:
- Duty-free access to every member country
- A single BRICS currency
- Guaranteed buyers
- Automatic product approval
- Removal of all customs and compliance requirements
Its value lies in opening new channels for finance, payments, customs cooperation, supply chains, technology and business-to-business engagement.
Conclusion
BRICS 2026 has strengthened India’s global position and created a favourable direction for trade among emerging markets. The biggest opportunities for Indian exporters are likely to come from improved MSME finance, digital trade processes, local-currency payment cooperation, agricultural trade, industrial partnerships and stronger business networks.
Indian manufacturers, traders, startups and service providers should now convert these policy opportunities into real business through market research, buyer identification, proper compliance and safe export planning.
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