BRICS 2026: China signals support for India; Here’s what Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said

India’s upcoming presidency of BRICS in 2026 has received an important diplomatic signal from China, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi saying Beijing will support New Delhi during its leadership year and emphasising that both Asian powers should work together for the benefit of the Global South.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on March 8, 2026, Wang Yi said India and China are two major neighbours and emerging economies whose cooperation can shape the future of developing nations. His remarks come at a time when India is preparing to host the BRICS 2026 Summit, where leaders from some of the world’s largest economies will gather to discuss global economic governance, trade and development priorities.

The statement is being seen as a notable diplomatic signal, especially as India-China ties have faced tensions in recent years. Analysts say Beijing’s supportive tone ahead of the BRICS presidency could indicate a broader attempt by both countries to stabilise relations and strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms.

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China backs India’s BRICS presidency in 2026

During the briefing in Beijing, Wang Yi said China will support India during its BRICS presidency in 2026 and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries within the grouping.

According to the Chinese foreign minister, both nations should back each other’s leadership roles within BRICS to ensure that the organisation becomes more effective and practical in addressing global challenges.

India will hold the BRICS presidency in 2026 and host the summit on its soil. China, meanwhile, is scheduled to assume the presidency in 2027. Wang Yi suggested that mutual support during these leadership cycles could strengthen the organisation’s role in global affairs.

‘India, China should support each other’

Wang Yi stressed that India and China should adopt a cooperative approach within BRICS and other multilateral platforms.

He noted that as neighbouring countries and two of the world’s largest emerging economies, collaboration between the two nations can play a decisive role in shaping global economic and political trends.

The Chinese foreign minister said both countries should “support each other’s presidency” and work together to make BRICS cooperation more productive. Such coordination, he suggested, could help address issues affecting developing countries and improve the organisation’s influence in international decision-making.

Cooperation could bring ‘new hope’ for Global South

Highlighting the broader significance of India-China cooperation, Wang Yi said the partnership between the two countries could create “new hope” for the Global South - a term used to describe developing and emerging economies across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

According to him, when the two largest developing economies collaborate, their combined voice can strengthen the representation of developing nations in global governance institutions.

He added that deeper cooperation between India and China could help push forward development priorities, economic growth initiatives and multilateral reforms that benefit countries in the Global South.

Why BRICS 2026 is important for India?

India’s presidency of BRICS in 2026 is expected to be strategically significant for New Delhi on multiple fronts.

First, it will provide India an opportunity to shape the agenda of one of the most influential economic blocs representing major emerging economies. Through the summit, India can push discussions on trade cooperation, digital economy initiatives and global development financing.

Second, hosting the summit will reinforce India’s role as a key voice for developing nations. India has consistently advocated stronger representation for emerging economies in global financial and political institutions.

Third, China’s supportive stance could help create a more cooperative environment within BRICS and potentially ease tensions in the broader bilateral relationship between the two countries.

India-China ties showing signs of gradual improvement

Wang Yi’s remarks also come against the backdrop of gradual diplomatic engagement between India and China over the past two years. Meetings between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at international forums - including interactions during the BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024 and later engagements in Tianjin in August 2025 had signalled attempts to stabilise ties after years of tensions.

FAQs:

1. Who holds the BRICS presidency in 2026?

India will hold the BRICS presidency in 2026 and host the summit in the country.

2. What did Wang Yi say about India-China cooperation?

Wang Yi said India and China should support each other’s BRICS presidencies and work together to strengthen cooperation within the bloc.

3. Will China support the BRICS summit hosted by India?

Yes. Wang Yi said China will support India during its BRICS presidency in 2026.

4. Which country will hold the BRICS presidency in 2027?

China is scheduled to assume the BRICS presidency in 2027.

5. What does the term ‘Global South’ refer to?

The Global South generally refers to developing and emerging economies across Asia, Africa and Latin America that often seek greater representation in global governance institutions.