At the 18th BRICS summit held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced a five-pillar strategy for artificial intelligence. The proposal includes creating an open-source AI framework, promoting trade and investment, modernizing digital industries, advancing smart manufacturing, and developing talent across member nations.
The core of the initiative is the proposed BRICS AI Open Source Zone, intended for the collaborative development of large language models and training infrastructure. Additionally, Xi invited member states to participate in the newly established World AI Cooperation Organization.
The summit coincided with the 20th anniversary of the BRICS mechanism, which recently expanded to include Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. India served as the chair for the 2026 event, while China is scheduled to assume the rotating chairmanship for the 19th summit in 2027.
Beijing intends to use its upcoming year as chair to further define the agenda and implement these AI initiatives. According to the Chinese leadership, the strategy is aimed at stabilizing supply chains and fostering the integration of markets among the member countries.
