Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has warmly congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as India assumes the BRICS presidency in 2026, praising India’s pivotal role in global peace and highlighting new opportunities for BRICS cooperation.
On January 1, 2026, India officially took over the rotating BRICS presidency from Brazil, marking a significant chapter for the expanded bloc. In a timely gesture, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko sent a congratulatory message to PM Narendra Modi, underscoring Belarus’s high appreciation for India’s contributions to international stability.
Key Highlights from Lukashenko’s Message
According to the official Belarusian presidential press service, Lukashenko stated: “Belarus highly values India’s efforts to maintain peace and stability. Your country’s economic, religious, and cultural authority has long been one of the pillars of world equilibrium for centuries.”
He expressed unwavering confidence that 2026 would bring “new achievements and successes” for BRICS under India’s leadership, crediting PM Modi’s “wisdom and forward-looking policies” for strengthening the group’s influence on the global stage.
Lukashenko also extended gratitude to Modi for India’s support in Belarus securing BRICS partner country status in late 2024. “We are ready for fruitful work under the Indian presidency for the sake of building a just and multipolar world order,” he added, emphasizing the relevance of India’s announced priorities.
India’s BRICS Presidency 2026: Priorities and Vision
India’s 2026 chairmanship comes with a clear, people-centric agenda. PM Modi has outlined a “Humanity First” approach, redefining BRICS around four core pillars: Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability.
Drawing parallels to India’s successful G20 presidency in 2023, New Delhi aims to amplify the Global South’s voice on critical issues like climate finance, debt restructuring, sustainable development, and reforming outdated global institutions.
Key focus areas include:
Promoting inclusive growth and human welfare
Advancing technology sharing, joint research, and startup ecosystems
Strengthening South-South cooperation without confrontation
Addressing emerging challenges like ethical AI and resilient infrastructure
India will host the 18th BRICS Summit later in 2026, providing a platform for the 10 full members (including recent additions like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia) and partner countries to collaborate.
Belarus-India Ties and BRICS Partnership
Belarus became an official BRICS partner in November 2024, during Russia’s chairmanship, allowing participation in key sessions and alignment with the bloc’s multipolar principles. This status was facilitated with support from India, building on shared platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where Belarus gained full membership in 2024.
Bilateral relations have grown stronger, with potential in trade, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and military-technical cooperation. Lukashenko has previously invited Modi to Minsk, fostering cordial ties amid geopolitical shifts.
This congratulatory message reinforces BRICS’ appeal as a non-Western forum promoting equitable global governance, especially as the bloc expands to counter unilateral influences.
Why This Matters for BRICS 2026
Lukashenko’s endorsement highlights consensus within BRICS+ on India’s leadership. As a close ally of Russia, Belarus’s support signals unity in pursuing de-dollarization efforts, local currency trade, and sustainable development—aligning with India’s pragmatic, inclusive strategy.
For global audiences searching BRICS presidency 2026, India BRICS chairmanship, or Lukashenko Modi congratulations, this development underscores the bloc’s growing role in shaping a balanced multipolar world.
As PM Modi leads BRICS forward, expectations are high for tangible outcomes that prioritize humanity and the Global South. Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming summit and evolving India-Belarus cooperation.
