On 12–13 September 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented the Prime Minister in attending the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, held at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi, Republic of India, with the aim of strengthening Thailand’s partnership with BRICS and demonstrating Thailand’s constructive role on the international stage. The Summit was convened at the invitation of H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, in his capacity as Chair of BRICS for 2026.

Held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the Summit brought together leaders and representatives of 10 BRICS member states, 10 partner countries, invited countries, and representatives of international organisations. Discussions covered the global situation, the resilience of supply chains and public health systems, innovation and digital technology, sustainable development, and the reform of global governance, marking the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation framework. The Summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration with the consensus of the BRICS member countries as its outcome document.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister delivered a statement at the Open Session under the theme “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.” He underscored that, amid a shifting world order, countries of the Global South must work together to deliver concrete outcomes, and that Thailand supports a rules-based international order and the promotion of regionalism alongside the strengthening of multilateralism. He further highlighted Thailand’s interest in partnership with BRICS in trade and investment, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, risk management, and revised financial architecture, and referenced the Thailand-Africa Initiative, developing countries' access to green finance through the New Development Bank (NDB), and possibilities for ASEAN-BRICS cooperation in the area of food security, supply chain and the digital economy, with Thailand ready to serve as a bridge between the two regions.

On the margins of the Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Belarus, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Cuba, and Bahrain, as well as with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister met with leading Thai private sector representatives operating in, and considering investing in India, including in various sectors such as energy, chemicals and packaging, and e-commerce/consumer goods to exchange views and discuss trade and investment opportunities in BRICS member and partner country markets, particularly the clean energy market.

Thailand’s participation in the Summit reflects its proactive diplomacy in engaging with emerging economies and advancing Thailand’s economic interests in concrete terms. Thailand has been a BRICS partner country since January 2025.