India formally kicked off its BRICS chairship for 2026 on January 13 in New Delhi, unveiling a new logo, theme and a dedicated website as it takes the lead of the economic bloc for the fourth time. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar revealed the branding and platform at a launch attended by senior officials, think-tank representatives, media and delegates from BRICS members and international organizations. What was announced - Theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” a people-centric agenda inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “humanity-first” vision. - Logo: A lotus with petals colored to reflect all BRICS nations and a central “Namaste” motif symbolizing welcome, respect and harmonious collaboration. Designer Sudeep Subhash Gandhi — the winner of an open contest — explained the lotus represents prosperity and India’s changing global perception. - Website: brics2026.gov.in will be the official hub for information on meetings, initiatives and outcomes during India’s chairship. Why it matters Jaishankar framed the chairship around inclusive, practical cooperation. He emphasized innovation as a core driver of development, pointing to collaboration on start-ups, MSMEs and emerging technologies as ways BRICS can help address socio-economic challenges—especially in developing countries. India also plans to focus on building resilience across agriculture, health, disaster-risk reduction, energy and supply chains. Context and scope 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS and comes after the bloc’s expansion to 11 members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The new branding and web portal are intended to boost transparency and engagement across the bloc’s working groups and stakeholders as BRICS seeks a larger role in sustainable development and multilateral cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. What crypto and tech observers should watch While no policy moves on digital currencies were announced, the chairship’s emphasis on “innovation” and “emerging technologies,” plus attention to cross-border trade and supply-chain resilience, could create openings for blockchain-based solutions, digital payments and fintech collaboration among member states. The official website will be the place to track working-group outcomes that might touch on tech, payments and regulatory cooperation. For more and for ongoing updates, visit the official BRICS India 2026 site: brics2026.gov.in. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news

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