BRICS Summit in New Delhi Secures 'Design Diplomacy' Pact

Member nations of the BRICS bloc expanded cooperation in science, technology, and the creative industries during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Hosted by India on September 12-13, 2026, the gathering focused on deepening technical and cultural integration among member states to foster a more multipolar global order.

A central outcome of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India's National Institute of Design (NID) and TV BRICS. This partnership establishes a framework for "design diplomacy," utilizing design research and cinema to bridge cultural gaps across the bloc. Under the agreement, NID Ahmedabad will screen works from various member nations, while TV BRICS will feature visual storytelling and films produced by NID's Film and Video Communication students.

The Vision for Design Diplomacy

This initiative aligns with a strategic vision championed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the concept of "Design in India, Design for the World." By integrating creative research with diplomatic outreach, the bloc aims to use visual media as a tool for cross-border understanding. Ashok Mondal, Director of the NID, described the MoU as a "pivotal milestone" in advancing design diplomacy within the BRICS media landscape.

Strategic Implications

This shift toward structured cooperation in the creative and technical sectors signals an intent by BRICS to move beyond basic economic and political alignment. By fostering deep technical and cultural ties, the bloc—which now includes members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE—is working to build more independent technological and creative ecosystems. This movement reflects a larger trend among these nations to reduce reliance on Western systems and establish autonomous frameworks for innovation.

Future Outlook

While the immediate focus remains on the implementation of the NID-TV BRICS partnership, the summit's broader agenda highlighted a continuing interest in systemic innovation. Observers are now monitoring how these cultural agreements will translate into larger-scale technical collaborations. It remains to be seen how the expanded membership will synchronize its diverse industrial capabilities to create a unified technological framework across the bloc, moving from symbolic diplomacy to integrated industrial practice.