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The Narendra Modi government has ambitious plans for hosting the presidency of BRICS starting January 1, 2026, aiming to build and project a strong brand image for India during its tenure, according to a document seen by CNN-News18. US President Donald Trump has described BRICS as an “attack on the US dollar” and justified tariffs against member countries. BRICS meetings are expected to be held across all 28 states and 9 union territories, covering approximately 60 cities. Similar to India’s earlier G20 presidency, the goal is to present a country-wide, pan-India BRICS image while showcasing India’s rich culture and heritage, as stated in the document accessed by CNN-News18. A BRICS theme song, lasting 3-4 minutes, may be composed by a renowned Indian musician of international repute who has experience in world music and performing at prestigious international forums or is a recipient of global awards. BRICS is an intergovernmental organisation with 11 full members and 10 partner countries, including India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Upon attaining the presidency of BRICS for 2026, India is keen to effectively showcase its position on both national and international levels, as per the document. India has played a crucial role in developing the agenda for institutional reforms, climate finance, digital governance, and strengthening the voice of the global south, the document reveals. The government will undertake a branding and publicity campaign for India’s BRICS presidency to popularise the BRICS logo, themes, priorities, and outcomes to a wide audience, both domestically and internationally. Planned Activities A list of planned activities includes a BRICS-themed kite festival, projection of the BRICS logo through ecological diyas during Diwali, holographic representations of the BRICS logo in various cities, a Republic Day tableau, and branding on airlines used for delegate transportation. The government also plans BRICS branding and publicity during state festivals such as the Kerala boat festival, the International Sand Art Festival of Odisha, and the Goa carnival. Additionally, the BRICS logo will be projected on public transport like metro systems, state buses, and railways. Other initiatives include drone swarms in cities and possible collaborations with food festivals for a BRICS-themed food fest. India’s G20 Success India successfully held the G20 chair in 2023, culminating in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members. Through “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation) events, the G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens, involving all states and union territories as partners. Nearly 220 meetings took place in 60 cities across India, including Jammu and Kashmir. India plans to replicate this model for the year-long presidency of BRICS in 2026.
