The BRICS Think Tank Network for Finance (BTTNF) will hold its second major meeting on August 25, 2026, as part of activities being organised under India’s BRICS Chairship. The meeting will bring together experts and researchers to deliberate on financial and economic issues relevant to BRICS countries.

The meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi at the India Habitat Centre, according to the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), which has listed the event for August 25. (RIS)

Focus on Financial Cooperation

The BTTNF provides a platform for financial research institutions, experts and policymakers from BRICS countries to exchange views on major issues affecting the global financial system. Its areas of work include regulatory frameworks, capital markets, digital finance, risk management and sustainable investment strategies. (BRICS Think Tanks Council)

The network is intended to support evidence-based policy discussions and collaborative research, with the broader objective of strengthening financial cooperation among BRICS economies.

India’s BRICS 2026 Priorities

The meeting comes as India advances its agenda as chair of BRICS 2026, with the official BRICS programme focusing on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (BRICS 2026)

Financial cooperation has emerged as an important area within the BRICS framework. Previous BRICS discussions have highlighted the need to improve cross-border payments, expand local-currency financing, mobilise private capital and strengthen financial mechanisms for sustainable development.

The 2025 BRICS Rio de Janeiro Declaration also recognised the contribution of the Think Tank Network for Finance in promoting collaboration among academia, policymakers and researchers. (Press Information Bureau)

Debate on Global Finance

The August 25 meeting is expected to provide an opportunity to examine challenges facing emerging and developing economies, including access to capital, investment mobilisation and financial stability.

The discussions assume significance at a time when BRICS members are exploring ways to deepen financial integration and improve mechanisms for trade and investment. BRICS countries have also been discussing cross-border payment systems and greater interoperability among national payment infrastructures.

For India, strengthening such cooperation is closely linked to its broader objective of giving developing economies a greater role in international economic and financial decision-making.

Private Capital and Investment

Mobilising private capital is another major issue within the BRICS financial agenda. Finance Ministers from BRICS countries have recently discussed the importance of creating stable and predictable frameworks capable of attracting sustained private investment.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had stressed earlier this month that BRICS economies need stronger frameworks to mobilise private capital at scale, while highlighting the role of multilateral development banks in reducing investment risks and improving project viability. (India Gazette)

The Think Tank Network can contribute to this process by bringing research institutions and financial experts into discussions on policy options and long-term economic strategies.

Building Research-Based Cooperation

The August 25 meeting is expected to strengthen the research and policy dimension of India’s BRICS Chairship. Rather than being limited to government-level discussions, the think tank mechanism provides space for experts to examine financial challenges and develop recommendations that can inform future cooperation.

As India prepares to host the BRICS Summit later this year, meetings such as the BTTNF conference are likely to form part of the wider programme of consultations leading up to the leaders’ summit.

The meeting will therefore be closely watched for discussions on financial cooperation, investment, digital finance and the evolving role of BRICS in the global economic system.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India in September to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, marking what would be his first visit to the country since the 2019 informal summit in Mamallapuram and the first after India-China relations deteriorated following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

The summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, with India hosting the expanded BRICS grouping at a time of growing geopolitical and economic realignments.

If the visit goes ahead as planned, it will be Xi's first trip to India in nearly seven years and one of the most closely watched diplomatic engagements between the two Asian neighbours since tensions escalated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Invitation Extended During SCO Summit

According to government officials, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the invitation to Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin in August 2025.

Chinese officials later conveyed that Xi had accepted the invitation and expressed support for India's BRICS presidency.

The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the expanded BRICS bloc, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and heads of state from other member countries.

Relations Showing Signs of Recovery

The expected visit comes amid gradual efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise bilateral relations after years of diplomatic and military tensions.

Several confidence-building measures have been implemented over the past two years, including:

• A military disengagement understanding reached in October 2024 to reduce tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

• Gradual restoration of direct commercial flight services.

• Easing of visa restrictions for citizens of both countries.

• China's participation in India's AI Impact Summit earlier this year.

Despite these developments, both countries continue to maintain significant military deployments along disputed border areas.

BRICS Summit Gains Strategic Importance

The upcoming BRICS summit is expected to take place against the backdrop of heightened global geopolitical uncertainty, including trade disputes, conflicts in West Asia, supply chain disruptions and efforts by emerging economies to strengthen cooperation through multilateral platforms.

Analysts believe the summit could provide an important opportunity for India and China to continue diplomatic engagement while managing unresolved issues related to border security and bilateral relations.

Apart from economic cooperation, discussions are expected to focus on global financial reforms, trade, technology, energy security, artificial intelligence, climate action and strengthening collaboration among emerging economies.

Significant Diplomatic Engagement

Xi Jinping's proposed visit is likely to attract considerable international attention because it would represent the highest-level bilateral engagement between India and China since relations were strained following the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020.

Diplomatic observers say the visit could serve as an opportunity for both governments to review progress made in restoring communication channels while exploring areas of cooperation despite continuing strategic differences.

Although officials from both sides are yet to announce the final schedule, preparations for the BRICS Summit are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as India readies to host leaders from one of the world's most influential emerging economy groupings.

India will host the BRICS Women Working Group (WWG) Meeting in Kochi, Kerala, on July 6 and 7 as part of its BRICS Chairship 2026, bringing together senior government officials from member countries to strengthen cooperation on women's empowerment and inclusive development.

The two-day meeting will focus on promoting women-led development, enhancing policy collaboration and advancing shared priorities among BRICS nations under India's Chairship theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." The theme reflects India's emphasis on people-centric growth and sustainable global partnerships.

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, delegates from all BRICS member countries will deliberate on four key priority areas under the BRICS Women Track. These include increasing women's participation in governance and leadership, expanding digital and financial inclusion, promoting women’s entrepreneurship and skill development, and strengthening women's role in climate action, food security and nutrition.

Officials said the meeting is expected to deepen policy dialogue, facilitate the exchange of best practices and encourage collaborative initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women across the BRICS grouping.

The Kochi meeting also serves as an important preparatory platform ahead of the BRICS Women Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for July 8 and 9, where ministers are expected to review the recommendations of the Working Group and reaffirm their commitment to advancing women-led development through practical cooperation.

The discussions build upon three virtual consultations held on April 30, May 22 and June 29, during which member countries worked toward consensus on key agenda items before the in-person meeting.

BRICS currently comprises 11 member countries—Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Together, the grouping accounts for nearly 40 per cent of global GDP and represents approximately 49.5 per cent of the world's population, making gender-inclusive growth a significant priority for the bloc.

Officials believe the outcomes of the Kochi meeting will contribute to stronger institutional cooperation among BRICS nations while supporting policies that promote women's economic participation, leadership opportunities and sustainable development.

India's hosting of the Women Working Group reflects its broader commitment to fostering inclusive growth and strengthening international partnerships focused on gender equality and women's empowerment within the expanding BRICS framework.

Iran Ready for 'Negotiations with Dignity' as Araghchi Set to Visit India for BRICS Meet

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday signalled Tehran's willingness to pursue negotiations with the United States, but stressed these must be conducted with "dignity" and "authority." His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and stalled diplomacy following a recent round of indirect talks.

Pezeshkian made the comments during a meeting with senior commanders of Iran's Faraja police force, where he reviewed their performance in what Iranian officials termed the "recent imposed war." According to the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA), he underlined that military achievements should now be backed by diplomatic efforts.

Araghchi Likely in New Delhi

In a related development, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to New Delhi for the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled for May 14-15. The visit assumes significance as India, a key BRICS member, maintains balanced ties with both Iran and Western nations.

Sources familiar with the arrangements indicated the Iranian delegation would use the platform to engage with counterparts on regional stability and multilateral cooperation. New Delhi has traditionally advocated for dialogue in West Asia.

Tehran Hits Out at US 'Unreasonable Demands'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei sharply criticised the United States for what he described as "unreasonable demands" in ongoing discussions over a proposed 14-point framework aimed at ending hostilities. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Baghaei said Iran had responded through Pakistani mediators with what it called a "reasonable and generous" proposal.

The Iranian response reportedly includes an immediate cessation of conflict on all fronts, lifting of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and guarantees against further attacks. Tehran has also sought the release of frozen assets and compensation for damages. US President Donald Trump dismissed the Iranian counter-proposal as "totally unacceptable."

"Whenever we are forced to fight, we will fight, and whenever there is room for diplomacy, we will seize that opportunity," Baghaei stated, adding that decisions would be guided solely by national interests.

Hormuz Tensions and International Moves

The diplomatic back-and-forth unfolds against persistent concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. Iran has warned against deployment of British and French warships in the area, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting that security of the strait remains Tehran's responsibility.

Britain and France are co-hosting a Defence Ministers' meeting on Tuesday with representatives from over 40 nations to discuss restoring safe maritime traffic through the waterway.

Regional Spillover Continues

Meanwhile, clashes in southern Lebanon and exchanges involving Israeli forces added to the volatility. Israeli strikes were reported in areas like Nabatieh, while both sides traded accusations over drone activity near the border.

In parallel economic fallout, oil prices climbed further on Monday as uncertainty over a US-Iran deal persisted, while international gold prices saw some decline amid shifting safe-haven demand.

Background and Public Posture

The current round of indirect negotiations follows a period of intense military confrontation that Iranian officials maintain was imposed upon them. President Pezeshkian emphasised multiple pathways forward, including strengthened diplomacy to consolidate recent military gains.

Analysts note that Iran's firm yet open stance reflects both domestic pressures to safeguard sovereignty and a pragmatic recognition of the economic costs of prolonged isolation. The release of Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi on bail for medical treatment also signals some internal easing, though broader tensions remain high.

As Araghchi prepares for New Delhi, observers will watch closely for any bilateral or multilateral signals that could open fresh channels. With Trump scheduled to engage Chinese leadership soon on related matters, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether diplomacy gains ground or if escalation risks persist.

The situation remains fluid, with multiple stakeholders closely monitoring developments that could reshape security dynamics across West Asia and beyond.