Former G20 Sherpa says India’s BRICS leadership should prioritise economic cooperation, sustainable development and shared global challenges
NEW DELH ; GTNS | SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 : With India preparing to host the BRICS Summit, former G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has called for a practical and development-oriented approach to the grouping, saying the forum should concentrate on issues that directly affect economic growth and the future of developing nations.
Speaking at a BRICS roundtable discussion, Kant stressed that trade, investment, climate action and developmental priorities should receive greater attention during the summit. He cautioned against allowing political differences to dominate a platform that can play an important role in strengthening cooperation among emerging economies.
According to Kant, India’s responsibility as host goes beyond conducting high-level diplomatic meetings. The summit provides an opportunity to encourage deeper economic engagement, create new investment possibilities and develop common approaches to challenges confronting developing countries.
Economic cooperation at the centre
BRICS has increasingly emerged as an important platform for major emerging economies to discuss economic cooperation and broader global issues. Its expanding membership has also increased the diversity of interests and priorities represented within the grouping.
Against this backdrop, discussions on cross-border trade, investment flows, infrastructure, technology, energy transition and sustainable development are expected to remain significant areas of interest.
Kant’s comments suggest that India can use its leadership role to encourage conversations that produce practical outcomes for businesses, investors and developing economies rather than allowing geopolitical disagreements to overshadow economic opportunities.
Climate and development challenges
Climate change is another area where BRICS countries face common challenges, despite differences in their economic structures and development levels.
For developing economies, the transition towards cleaner energy must be balanced with the need for affordable energy, industrial expansion, employment generation and poverty reduction. Greater cooperation in technology, finance and sustainable infrastructure could therefore become an important part of the BRICS agenda.
Kant’s emphasis on developmental issues reflects the broader challenge of ensuring that global economic cooperation delivers benefits beyond major financial and political centres.
India’s opportunity as host
For India, hosting the BRICS Summit provides an opportunity to showcase its economic ambitions while strengthening partnerships with other emerging economies.
The focus on trade and investment could also help create new avenues for businesses and encourage stronger commercial links among BRICS members. Cooperation in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital technology, manufacturing, infrastructure and critical minerals could further expand the economic relevance of the grouping.
At the same time, India is expected to balance its economic priorities with the wider geopolitical realities surrounding BRICS.
Kant’s message places the emphasis firmly on results-oriented cooperation: using BRICS as a platform to address shared economic, climate and development challenges while keeping political differences from becoming the defining feature of the grouping.
As preparations for the summit continue, the debate over the future direction of BRICS is likely to remain closely watched by governments, businesses and investors across the member countries.
Global Times News | New Delhi