Brazil Hands Over BRICS Presidency to India

BRICS leadership transition

Brazil Hands Over BRICS Presidency to India: Brazil officially transferred the BRICS presidency to India during the concluding session of the 4th BRICS Sherpas Meeting held in December 2025. The ceremonial handover marked a crucial transition as India prepares to assume leadership of the grouping in 2026. Although the symbolic transfer took place on December 12, 2025, Brazil will formally remain the BRICS president until December 31, 2025.

The transition reflects continuity in agenda-setting while allowing India to shape priorities aligned with the evolving concerns of the Global South. The rotating presidency ensures shared leadership and balanced representation among member states.

Static GK fact: The BRICS presidency follows an annual rotation based on consensus among member countries.

Understanding BRICS grouping

BRICS is a coalition of major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The grouping aims to strengthen cooperation in development finance, trade, political coordination, and global governance reform. Over time, BRICS has emerged as a key platform amplifying the voice of developing countries in global institutions.

India has historically used BRICS forums to advocate reforms in multilateral institutions and promote South-South cooperation.

Static GK Tip: BRICS collectively represents over 40% of the world’s population and a significant share of global GDP.

The ceremonial handover

The handover ceremony involved Brazil’s Sherpa Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio transferring the symbolic BRICS gavel to India’s Sherpa Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela. The event took place at the conclusion of the 4th Sherpas Meeting, symbolising the transfer of leadership responsibility and agenda stewardship.

The gavel is not merely ceremonial but represents continuity, cooperation, and institutional responsibility within BRICS.

Brazil’s presidency priorities

During its tenure, Brazil focused on six major thematic areas. These included global health cooperation, climate change, trade, investment and finance, multilateral architecture for peace and security, governance of artificial intelligence, and institutional development of BRICS. Brazil also actively promoted discussions on inclusive global governance and UN Security Council reform.

These focus areas laid the groundwork for continuity under India’s leadership.

India’s vision for BRICS 2026

India has announced that its BRICS presidency will be guided by four core pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. The agenda prioritises strengthening climate disaster risk reduction systems, promoting equitable and responsible AI use, and enhancing scientific research and knowledge sharing.

India has also reiterated its commitment to advancing reforms in global governance institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council, while adopting a consensus-based and inclusive approach.

Static GK fact: India previously held the BRICS presidency in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Symbolism of the Amazon gavel

The ceremonial gavel handed over to India was crafted from repurposed wood sourced from the Amazon rainforest. Made using abandoned wood from native trees such as Itaúba and Pau Rainha, it was handcrafted by the Novo Airão community in Amazonas as part of a sustainability initiative.

The gavel symbolises Brazil’s commitment to environmental sustainability, continuity of climate-focused cooperation, and deep-rooted collaboration among BRICS nations.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Brazil Hands Over BRICS Presidency to India: