Marcos to attend BRICS Summit in India on Sept. 12-13, 2026

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will travel to New Delhi, India from September 12 to 13, 2026 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Analyn Ratonel announced this in a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Ratonel said the First Couple's participation in the BRICS Summit was upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Marcos will also attend as part of the Philippines’ role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026.

“Through this visit, the President seeks to ensure that our modern partnerships remain open, resilient, and capable of delivering prosperity to our people,” Ratonel said.

“Magkakaroon ng pagkakataon si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na ipaliwanag sa mga miyembro ng BRICS ang mga pangunahing prayoridad ng Pilipinas bilang ASEAN Chair. Ang mga prayoridad na ito ay umiikot sa larangan ng peace and security, people empowerment, at prosperity,” she added.

(President Marcos Jr. will have the opportunity to explain the Philippines' key priorities as ASEAN Chair to BRICS members. These priorities center on peace and security, people empowerment, and prosperity.)

BRICS stands for Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. According to its website for the 2026 summit in India, BRICS brings together 11 major emerging markets and developing countries, namely: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and United Arab Emirates.

With the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the DFA official said the 18th BRICS Summit seeks to address global economic uncertainties, leverage new digital public infrastructure, and accelerate collective climate action.

“Ang pakikilahok na ito ay isang strategic opportunity upang subaybayan ang mga emerging economic frameworks at irepresenta ang mga prayoridad at pananaw ng rehiyon, habang direktang nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga pinuno ng mga major emerging economies,” Ratonel explained.

(The President’s participation serves as a strategic opportunity to monitor emerging economic frameworks and represent the region's priorities and perspectives, while directly engaging with leaders of major emerging economies.)

While in India, Marcos is also set to have a bilateral meeting with Modi.

Ratonel said that both leaders are expected to discuss the progress of the Philippines-India Strategic Partnership, review the implementation of the five-year plan of action for 2025–2029, and exchange views on economic issues.

She also said that Marcos’ visit includes engagement with Indian business leaders to strengthen the trade and investment ties with the South Asian country.

Aside from the First Lady, the President is expected to be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, and Finance Secretary Frederick Go. — VDV/RSJ, GMA News