Under Trump’s Nose, Brazil Hands Over BRICS Chairmanship to India: Washington Likely Unnerved

Amid rising global pressure and the firm stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, India has officially taken over the chairmanship of BRICS from Brazil. The symbolic transfer underscores the commitment to sustainable development and mutual cooperation, signaling a new phase for the group with India at the helm.

A Symbolic Handover
The transition from Brazil to India was not merely ceremonial. Following the symbolic “steel hammer” from Russia in 2024, Brazil presented India with a gavel made from recycled Amazon rainforest wood, symbolizing sustainability and trust in India’s upcoming leadership. BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Lirio emphasized that this gesture reflects confidence in India’s approach and commitment to collaborative growth. India will formally assume BRICS chairmanship from 1 January 2026.

Review of Brazil’s BRICS Presidency
During the BRICS Sherpa meeting in Brasília on 11–12 December, representatives of 11 member nations assessed progress under Brazil’s chairmanship up to 2025. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira noted that BRICS’ relevance should now be measured by its impact on ordinary citizens, not merely diplomatic declarations. Under Brazil, the group prioritized sustainability, inclusive development, and multilateral cooperation, including key initiatives on AI governance, climate finance frameworks, and partnerships to eliminate socially-driven diseases.

Challenges Amid U.S. Pressure
Brazil’s presidency coincided with heightened tensions from the Trump administration, which accused BRICS of undermining the U.S. dollar and threatened tariffs of up to 100%. Both India and Brazil were targets of these trade pressures.

India’s Agenda for 2026
India’s leadership begins at a critical juncture as global trade and diplomacy face turbulence under Trump’s second term. India has outlined a BRICS agenda centered on flexibility, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Key focus areas will include climate change, artificial intelligence, scientific collaboration, and development finance. India aims to ensure that BRICS remains a multilateral platform for collaboration and growth, rather than becoming a vehicle for anti-U.S. sentiment.

The Road Ahead
India’s BRICS presidency will be a test of its diplomatic acumen. Balancing multilateral cooperation while navigating U.S. trade and policy pressures will be crucial. The success of India’s leadership could not only strengthen BRICS as a global cooperative forum but also maintain strategic equilibrium in the shifting landscape of international relations.