Brazil officially transferred the BRICS presidency to India on December 12, 2025, during the concluding session of the 4th BRICS Sherpas Meeting. The ceremonial handover marked a leadership transition within the bloc as India prepares to steer BRICS discussions and initiatives in 2026.
Background: What is BRICS
- BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at promoting cooperation among Global South countries in areas such as development, trade, finance, and global governance reform.
- The presidency of BRICS rotates annually among member states.
The Handover Ceremony
- Brazil’s Sherpa Ambassador Mauricio Lyrio handed over the symbolic BRICS gavel to India’s Sherpa Ambassador Sudhakar Dalela
- The handover took place at the end of the 4th Sherpas Meeting
- The gavel symbolizes the official transfer of leadership and responsibility
- Although the ceremony took place in mid-December, Brazil will formally remain BRICS president until December 31, 2025.
Brazil’s BRICS Presidency: Key Focus Areas
During its presidency, Brazil prioritized six major areas,
- Global Health Cooperation
- Climate Change
- Trade, Investment, and Finance
- Multilateral Architecture for Peace and Security
- Governance of Artificial Intelligence
- Institutional Development of BRICS
Brazil also played a key role in advancing discussions on inclusive global governance and UN Security Council reform.
Key Objectives Under India’s Leadership
- Strengthening climate disaster risk reduction systems
- Promoting equitable and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence
- Enhancing scientific research and knowledge sharing
- Advancing reforms in global governance institutions, including the UN Security Council
- India stated that its leadership would focus on consensus-building and inclusive development.
The Amazon Gavel: Symbolism
- The ceremonial gavel was crafted from repurposed wood sourced from the Amazon rainforest
- Made using abandoned wood from native trees such as Itaúba and Pau Rainha
- Handcrafted by the Novo Airão community in Amazonas through a sustainability project
The gavel symbolises,
- Brazil’s commitment to sustainability
- Continuity of climate-focused cooperation
- Deep-rooted collaboration among BRICS nations
Key Takeaways
- Brazil handed over BRICS presidency to India in December 2025
- India will lead BRICS in 2026
- Four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability
- Focus on Global South issues and governance reform
- Symbolic Amazon gavel highlights sustainability commitment
Question
Q. What is the symbolic gavel handed over to India made from?
(A) Teak wood from India
(B) Bamboo from China
(C) Repurposed Amazon rainforest wood
(D) Oak from South Africa
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