BRICS International Forum

05/10/2026

BRAZIL ELECTION 2026 No Final Winner Yet: Brazil Heads to a Historic Lula–Flávio Bolsonaro Runoff Brasília, Brazil — 5 October 2026 By Purnima Anand, President, BRICS International Forum & International Election Observer Brazil’s presidential election has entered a second round after neither of the two leading candidates secured more than 50% of the valid vote in the first round held on 4 October. According to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE), Flávio Bolsonaro of the Liberal Party (PL) finished first with 47.03% of valid votes, while incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT) finished second with 45.16%. The two candidates will now face each other in the second round on 25 October 2026. A Close First Round Flávio Bolsonaro received approximately 56.1 million votes, compared with approximately 53.9 million for Lula. Because neither candidate crossed the required majority of valid votes, Brazilian electoral rules require a runoff between the two leading candidates. The result was notable because several pre-election polls had shown Lula ahead or in a very close contest. Flávio Bolsonaro's first-round performance therefore exceeded several polling expectations. Bolsonaro Family Returns to the Centre of Brazil's Presidential Race Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is a senator from Rio de Janeiro and the eldest son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The former president was convicted in connection with a plot to overturn the 2022 election result and received a sentence of more than 27 years. During the 2026 campaign, Jair Bolsonaro backed his son Flávio as the candidate representing the Bolsonaro political movement. The second round therefore places two contrasting political forces directly against each other: Lula's Workers' Party and the Bolsonaro-aligned PL. What Happens on 25 October? The presidential contest is now a direct Lula vs. Flávio Bolsonaro race. The first-round result does not determine the presidency. The winner will be decided by the votes cast in the second round on 25 October 2026. TSE has officially confirmed the date and the two candidates competing for the presidency. The result also means that the votes received by the other first-round presidential candidates will become an important part of the political discussion during the three-week campaign. Congress and the Wider Political Picture The presidential contest is only one part of Brazil's 2026 general election. Brazilians also voted for members of Congress, governors and state-level representatives. Early results indicate a significant performance by right-wing and Bolsonaroaligned candidates in several congressional contests, but the exact composition of Congress should be reported from the final official results rather than described simply as a “landslide” without qualification. The Bigger Question Brazil now enters three weeks of intensified political campaigning before the final vote. The central question is no longer who leads the first round—it is which candidate can build the majority required to win the second round on 25 October. For now, Brazil has no elected president from this first round. The presidential race remains open.

05/10/2026

BRAZIL GENERAL ELECTION 2026 FIRST-ROUND PRESIDENTIAL RESULTS AND THE RUNOFF International Election Report | 5 October 2026 Prepared by By Purnima Anand, President, BRICS International Forum & International Election Observer for international media, institutions, diplomatic missions, election observers and interested stakeholders. Executive Summary Brazil’s 2026 presidential election has proceeded to a second round. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) reported that, with 99.99% of polling stations counted at 00:21 on 5 October, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) received 56,104,268 votes, or 47.03% of valid votes, while Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) received 53,876,617 votes, or 45.16%. Neither candidate obtained more than half of the valid votes, so the presidential contest will be decided in a runoff on 25 October 2026. 1. First-Round Presidential Result Candidate Party Votes Flávio Bolsonaro Share of valid votes PL 56,104,268 47.03% Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva PT 53,876,617 45.16% Other candidates and invalid/blank ballots account for the remainder. TSE reported 125,272,513 valid votes, 2,300,781 blank votes (1.84%) and 3,674,149 null votes (2.93%). Brazil General Election 2026 | International Election Report | 5 October 2026 2. Why There Is a Second Round Brazil’s presidential system requires a candidate to obtain more than half of the valid votes to win in the first round. Because no candidate reached that threshold, the two candidates with the highest valid-vote totals advance to the runoff. The TSE confirms 25 October 2026 as the second-round date. 3. The Two Runoff Candidates Flávio Bolsonaro, 45, is a senator representing Rio de Janeiro and a member of the Liberal Party (PL). The TSE identifies Alfredo Gaspar (PL) as his vicepresidential running mate. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, is the incumbent president and candidate for re-election from the Workers’ Party (PT). The TSE identifies Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), former governor of São Paulo, as his vice-presidential running mate. 4. Political Context The runoff brings two major political forces into direct competition: the Workers’ Party, led nationally by Lula, and the Liberal Party candidacy of Flávio Bolsonaro, which is associated with the Bolsonaro political movement. Flávio Bolsonaro is the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. The family’s political role is therefore a significant context for understanding the campaign, but the outcome remains to be determined by the secondround vote. International reporting has noted that the first-round result differed from several pre-election polling expectations. Such polling measurements Brazil General Election 2026 | International Election Report | 5 October 2026 should be distinguished from the official vote count and should not be treated as predictions of the runoff result. 5. Electoral Scale and Process The TSE reported more than 158 million eligible voters for the 2026 general elections. The first round took place on 4 October, with voting scheduled from 8:00 to 17:00 Brasília time. The TSE publishes presidential results nationally and provides real-time result information through its official Results platform. 6. Congress and Other Offices The 2026 general elections also cover governors, senators, federal deputies and state/district deputies. Political reporting has described strong performance by right-wing and Bolsonaro-aligned forces in parts of the congressional contest. However, this report does not characterize the overall congressional outcome as a 'landslide' without a complete and final official seat-by-seat assessment. Presidential and congressional results should be analyzed separately. 7. What to Watch Before 25 October  Coalition-building and endorsements from candidates who did not advance to the runoff.  Campaign positions and policy priorities presented by both runoff candidates.  Regional voting patterns and turnout. Brazil General Election 2026 | International Election Report | 5 October 2026  Statements from political parties and major civic institutions.  Official TSE information concerning the second-round electoral process.  International reactions and implications for Brazil’s foreign relations, economy and regional diplomacy. 8. Key Dates Date Event 4 October 2026 First round of Brazil’s general election 5 October 2026 TSE confirms Flávio Bolsonaro and Lula for the presidential runoff 25 October 2026 Second round for President and Vice-President, where applicable 9. Source and Verification Note Primary electoral figures and procedural information in this report are based on the Superior Electoral Court (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral — TSE), Brazil’s official electoral authority. Secondary international reporting is used only for contextual observations. Percentages, vote totals and dates should be updated if the TSE publishes a subsequent final consolidation. Primary source: Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE), Elections 2026 results and official communications. Official results portal: resultados.tse.jus.br Brazil General Election 2026 | International Election Report | 5 October 2026 Editorial Note This report is intended as a neutral factual briefing for international circulation. It does not endorse, oppose, rank or predict the outcome of any candidate or political party. The presidential election remains unresolved until the second round.

04/10/2026

BRAZIL ELECTION 2026
PURNIMA ANAND OBSERVES BRAZILIAN ELECTIONS AS INTERNATIONAL ELECTION OBSERVER
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum from India, is in Brazil as an International Election Observer, observing the electoral process in Rio de Janeiro.
During her observation of polling procedures at key stations, Ms. Anand highlighted the transparency, security and technological efficiency of Brazil’s electronic voting system.
She also noted the smooth ex*****on of the electoral process and highlighted Brazil’s electronic voting technology as an important example of digital democracy for countries across the Global South.
“The Brazilian election process reflects high standards of institutional integrity, speed, and democratic trust. The seamless technological implementation is an inspiring benchmark for electoral systems worldwide.”
Her participation in the Brazilian elections reflects the importance of international democratic engagement, People-to-People Diplomacy and cooperation among BRICS member states.

🌎 People’s Diplomacy | Democratic Dialogue | Global Cooperation

PURNIMA ANAND
President, BRICS International Forum
International Election Observer — Brazil 2026

28/09/2026

28/09/2026

Russia State Duma Elections 2026 — International Election Observation 🇷🇺
The State Duma Elections of the Russian Federation were held from 18–20 September 2026. I had the opportunity to participate in the international election observation mission as part of an international observer group.
According to the Russian Central Election Commission, 1,126 international observers and electoral experts from 133 countries, representing 13 international organizations, participated in the election observation process. More than 380,000 domestic observers were also involved across the country.
Our international group consisted of 8 participants from Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Ecuador, Tanzania and India, and we visited 20 polling stations in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, during the election observation mission.
The observation programme provided an opportunity to understand the functioning of polling stations, interact with election personnel, and exchange experiences with observers and participants from different countries.
Beyond election observation, the programme also included cultural exchanges, visits to local religious and cultural heritage sites, interaction with local communities, and experiences around Lake Baikal.
For me, the programme represented an important example of People’s Diplomacy—bringing people from different countries together through electoral dialogue, cultural understanding and professional exchange.
Purnima Anand
President, BRICS International Forum
People’s Diplomacy

18/09/2026

BRICS INTERNATIONAL FORUM
MEDIA REPORT & PRESS COVERAGE
Roots and Echoes of BRICS Civilization
Vision for Future
A High-Level Dialogue Series
Friday, 11th September 2026 | Le Méridien, Janpath, New Delhi
BRICS International Forum Brings Global Delegates Together at Le Méridien, New Delhi for “Roots and Echoes of BRICS Civilization” at the sidelines of 18th BRICS Summit 2026
NEW DELHI, Friday, 11th September 2026
As New Delhi hosting the 18th BRICS Summit, the BRICS International Forum convened a high-level international dialogue, “The Quorum – Roots and Echoes of BRICS Civilization – Vision for Future,” at Le Méridien, Janpath, New Delhi.
The programme brought together international delegates, business leaders, institutional representatives, media personalities and eminent Indian guests.
Its central idea was to connect the civilizational roots of BRICS societies with contemporary people-to-people diplomacy, business cooperation, culture, civilizational heritage, innovation, knowledge, youth, sustainability and a shared future. The event also marked the Forum’s celebration of 20 Years of BRICS Unity.
Purnima Anand, President, BRICS International Forum, opened the programme with a welcome address, receiving the international delegation and distinguished guests from India.
The official guest list records Rajendra Kumar Miglani, Chairman, Uttam Galva Ferrous Limited; Leonardo de Rezende Attuch, Founder & CEO, Brasil 247 and Vice President, Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mikhail Cherapinov, Chairman, IM BRICS Municipality Organization, Russia; Charnetsky Pavel Alexandrovich, Financial Director, LLC “ProSerdtse”; Sergey Ladochkin Alekseevich, President, International Public and Business Center BRICS House and President, Association of Social and Non-Profit Organizations; Puneet Agarwal, General Manager (Business Planning), Steel Authority of India Limited; Natalia Kozina Yurievna, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Donetsk People’s Republic; Leyla Turayanova, Head of India Projects, Department for International Cooperation; and Inga Davydova, Head of RT’s Branch Office in India.
The international character of the gathering was also reflected in the presence of participants connected with Russia, Brazil, UAE and wider international business and institutional networks. The programme created a setting for direct exchange among business, media, cultural and people-to-people stakeholders.
A key business highlight was the reported MoU / collaboration engagement between Rajendra Kumar Miglani of Uttam Galva Ferrous Limited and Suren Goyal of RPS. The engagement focused on financial and corporate cooperation and opportunities related to modern steel and industrial cooperation, giving the dialogue a practical business dimension.
The programme also included a warm Indian welcome for the international guests, with floral greetings presented by Ridhima and Supriya. A distinctive cultural and spiritual element was provided by Shri Pawan Shri Ji, described during the programme as a disciple of Swami Kailashanand Ji. His address brought an energetic message of humanity, cultural understanding and shared values to the gathering.
The event’s timing gave it additional international relevance. On 11th September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi on the margins of the 18th BRICS Summit.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders reviewed political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill-mobility and people-to-people cooperation, and discussed regional and global developments. The meeting also highlighted the importance of INNOPROM India in expanding India-Russia trade and industrial ties.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also arrived in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12–13 September 2026 under its 2026 Chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Against this wider diplomatic backdrop, the BRICS International Forum’s dialogue offered a complementary people-to-people platform.
Its message — “One Humanity • Many Civilizations • A Shared Future” — placed civilizational understanding, international friendship and practical cooperation at the centre of the gathering.
Distinguished Guest List
Guest Designation / Organisation
Rajendra Kumar Miglani Chairman, Uttam Galva Ferrous Limited
Purnima Anand President, BRICS International Forum
Leonardo de Rezende Attuch Founder & CEO, Brasil 247; Vice President, Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Mikhail Cherapinov Chairman, IM BRICS Municipality Organization, Russia
Charnetsky Pavel Alexandrovich Financial Director, LLC “ProSerdtse”
Sergey Ladochkin Alekseevich President, International Public and Business Center BRICS House; President, Association of Social and Non-Profit Organizations
Puneet Agarwal General Manager (Business Planning), Steel Authority of India Limited
Natalia Kozina Yurievna Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Donetsk People’s Republic
Leyla Turayanova Head of India Projects, Department for International Cooperation
Inga Davydova Head of RT’s Branch Office in India

18/09/2026

18th BRICS SUMMIT 2026
NEW DELHI, INDIA
12–13 SEPTEMBER 2026
INDIA–CHINA STRATEGIC RELATIONS

Diplomatic & Strategic Analysis
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I. Broader Questions
1. What do you think are India’s internal judgments, considerations and implicit core demands regarding China’s participation?
India’s approach toward China’s participation in BRICS can be understood as pragmatic, calibrated and interest-driven rather than confrontational.
India has a clear interest in preserving BRICS as a productive multilateral platform. At the same time, India’s engagement with China must remain consistent with national security, territorial integrity and strategic autonomy.
India’s core expectations can therefore be framed around three principles:
• Peace and stability along the border should remain the foundation of broader bilateral relations.
• BRICS should remain a constructive multilateral platform and should not become an instrument of any single country’s geopolitical agenda.
• Economic engagement should become more balanced, resilient and mutually beneficial.
The central message is that India is prepared to engage China, but such engagement must be based on mutual respect, sensitivity, reciprocity and peace.
2. What does India want to achieve through India–China bilateral interaction at the BRICS Summit?
India’s objective should be to consolidate stabilisation and create political space for gradual normalisation rather than expect a complete resolution of every outstanding issue at one summit.
The principal objectives are:
• Maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border.
• Strengthening direct political communication between the two leaderships.
• Preventing bilateral differences from obstructing BRICS cooperation.
• Expanding mutually beneficial economic and people-to-people cooperation.
• Encouraging more balanced economic relations.
• Demonstrating that competition and cooperation can coexist within a rules-based multilateral framework.
The BRICS Summit should therefore be viewed as a platform for stabilisation and constructive engagement, not as a substitute for the bilateral boundary negotiations.

3. What is the paramount priority and consideration within MEA in the Summit?
The paramount consideration should be to protect India’s national interest while maintaining strategic autonomy and ensuring that BRICS remains balanced, productive and development-oriented.
Three priorities are particularly important:
First, national security: India cannot separate the broader relationship with China from the situation along the border.
Second, strategic autonomy: India does not want BRICS to become an anti-Western or China-dominated bloc. India’s objective is a more representative and multipolar international order.
Third, practical outcomes: India’s BRICS chairship provides an opportunity to focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability and to deliver practical cooperation in areas such as technology, energy, health, food security, supply chains and sustainable development.
India’s strength lies in balancing principled positions with pragmatic diplomacy.

II. Specific Questions
4. In the absence of full border resolution, is China–India willing to explore less contested stretches? How do you think India’s strategic calculus with China is evolving?
There is a strong strategic logic for incremental border management even while the final boundary settlement remains unresolved.
A complete boundary settlement is a long-term diplomatic objective. However, India and China do not necessarily have to wait for a final settlement before improving practical management of the border.
The emerging strategic approach can be summarised as: manage the dispute, prevent escalation, build confidence, and simultaneously pursue a long-term settlement.
India’s strategic calculus appears to be moving toward calibrated engagement: competition where necessary, cooperation where possible, and prevention of unnecessary confrontation.
This should not be interpreted as India abandoning its territorial position. Rather, it represents an effort to create a more stable environment in which differences can be managed responsibly while negotiations continue.

5. Does the Modi–Xi handshake at the SCO attempt to signal de-escalation and multipolar engagement?
Yes. Leadership-level engagement carries important political symbolism.
A Modi–Xi interaction communicates that India and China are capable of maintaining direct political dialogue despite unresolved strategic differences. It does not, by itself, mean that the border dispute has disappeared or that all disagreements have been resolved.
The broader signal is one of controlled engagement and de-escalation. It also fits India’s wider concept of strategic autonomy and a multipolar international order.
India can simultaneously maintain relationships with the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, the Quad and BRICS while engaging China directly. This is not necessarily inconsistency; it is an expression of strategic autonomy.

6. Can China’s participation in BRICS go beyond Global South optics and economic cooperation?
Yes, provided China approaches BRICS as a genuine multilateral partnership rather than as an instrument for advancing unilateral geopolitical preferences.
China can contribute more deeply in:
• Reform of global institutions.
• Development finance.
• Digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
• Artificial intelligence and innovation.
• Climate and energy cooperation.
• Global health.
• Food security and disaster resilience.
• Supply-chain stability.
• Scientific cooperation.
• People-to-people exchanges.
BRICS will gain greater long-term credibility if all members have genuine ownership of the agenda. China can remain highly influential while recognising that BRICS is a collective institution rather than synonymous with the leadership of any one member.

7. How will India–China proximity in a multilateral forum like BRICS affect China’s agenda-setting power?
India–China proximity within BRICS could make the organisation more balanced rather than automatically increasing China’s agenda-setting power.
China has substantial economic and political weight within BRICS, but India is also a founding member, a major economy and the chair of BRICS in 2026. India’s chairship gives it an important opportunity to shape the agenda around development, resilience, innovation, sustainability and practical cooperation.
The key question is not simply whether China will be influential. China will remain influential. The more important question is whether agenda-setting remains collective.
India can strengthen this collective approach by building coalitions of common interests among BRICS members on trade, food and energy security, technology, health, climate, development finance and global governance.
The objective should be a BRICS in which China is an important participant, but no single country determines the organisation’s overall direction.

III. Concluding Strategic Message
“India does not have to choose between engaging China and protecting India’s interests. The essence of India’s strategic autonomy is precisely the ability to do both. India can compete where it must, cooperate where it can, manage differences responsibly, and ensure that BRICS remains a platform for a multipolar and development-oriented global order.”

18/09/2026

BIFA launches India chapter to strengthen BRICS ties through football
The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) has inaugurated its India chapter, aiming to utilise football as a means of fostering peace, integration, and people-to-people connections among BRICS nations.
The initiative, named BIFA India, was announced by BIFA founder and president Dr Salem Humaid Saif Al Mazini of the United Arab Emirates during an event in New Delhi held alongside the 18th BRICS Summit, according to reports by Brasil 247.
The event included representatives from several countries, such as Purnima Anand, president of the BRICS International Forum; Russian delegates; and Leonardo Attuch, Brazilian journalist and founder of Brasil 247 and the Instituto Sul Global.
Dr Al Mazini stated that sport provides a straightforward yet powerful method to unify societies, transcending national borders, cultural differences, and political disagreements. He emphasised that BIFA’s mission extends beyond football matches and competitions to building enduring relationships, cooperation, and peace.
Highlighting Brazil’s football heritage, Dr Al Mazini described the country as a “nation of football” and noted that cooperation developed during the BRICS Summit in Brazil had helped advance the alliance’s vision.
Purnima Anand linked the initiative to the broader progression of BRICS, underscoring people-centred development and enhanced ties between societies.
Leonardo Attuch welcomed the launch, emphasising sport’s capacity to bring people together. He also advocated for the separation of sport from political disputes and expressed concern regarding restrictions affecting Russian athletes.
Russian representative Anastasia Dubrovskaia of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives voiced support for BIFA’s expansion and highlighted sport’s societal importance.
Under the motto “United by Football. Connected by BRICS,” the launch underscored football’s potential to strengthen cultural ties, promote dialogue, and build closer connections among peoples within the BRICS group, according to Brasil 247.

18/09/2026

BRICS INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL ALLIANCE (BIFA)
BIFA INDIA LAUNCH
United by Football. Connected by BRICS

Event Report
12 September 2026 | New Delhi, India
Held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit


BIFA India launch gathering in New Delhi
Executive Summary
The BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA) announced the launch of BIFA India on 12 September 2026 in New Delhi, presenting football as a practical instrument of peace, integration, friendship and people-to-people cooperation among BRICS nations. The event was held at the Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, New Delhi, India.
The gathering brought together Dr. Salem Humaid Saif Al Mazini, Founder and President of BIFA; Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum; Russian representatives and partners, including Anastasia Dubrovskaia of Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI); and Leonardo Attuch, founder of Brasil 247 and the Global South Institute, representing Brazil.
The central message was that football can operate beyond the field of competition. Through sustained engagement before and after matches, sport can help build trust, cultural understanding, youth connections and lasting relationships between peoples.

Event Overview
Event Launch of BIFA India
Theme United by Football. Connected by BRICS
Date 12 September 2026
Venue Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, New Delhi
Occasion On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit
Core Objective Promote football as an instrument of peace, integration and people-to-people cooperation

Football as an Instrument of Peace and Integration
A defining concept of the event was that the social value of football extends beyond the 90 minutes of a match. BIFA’s approach seeks to continue dialogue, cooperation, development and friendship after sporting events, creating relationships that can endure beyond the competition itself.

“After the 90 minutes, we continue our legacy, our hope, our development and our peace.”
Launch of BIFA India
The launch of BIFA India marked a new step in BIFA’s effort to build an international sporting network connecting societies across the BRICS space.
The initiative positions football not only as a competitive sport but also as a platform for dialogue, cultural exchange and cooperation.
Dr. Salem Humaid Saif Al Mazini emphasized the simplicity and universal appeal of sport as a means of bringing societies together in a world affected by conflict and division.

“I think the simplest way to unite the world is through sport.”


Ceremonial lamp-lighting during the BIFA India launch
Key Participants and Representation
• Dr. Salem Humaid Saif Al Mazini — Founder and President, BRICS International Football Alliance (BIFA).
• Purnima Anand — President, BRICS International Forum.
• Anastasia Dubrovskaia — Representative of Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI).
• Leonardo Attuch — Founder of Brasil 247 and the Global South Institute; representing Brazil.
• Russian partners and representatives, along with international participants supporting the BIFA initiative.


International participants at the BIFA India launch
Leonardo Attuch: Sport beyond Political Divisions
Leonardo Attuch expressed support for the initiative and highlighted the ability of sport to bring people together. Referring to Brazil’s football tradition and major international tournaments, he argued that sporting exchanges should remain a space for human connection and dialogue.
Attuch also spoke about the participation of Russia in international sport and expressed the view that political divisions should not permanently prevent sporting and people-to-people engagement

“Everyone knows how sport can bring people together.”

Leonardo Attuch representing Brazil participating in the ceremonial lamp-lighting
Address by Purnima Anand
Purnima Anand placed the BIFA India initiative within the wider evolution of BRICS. She recalled recognizing the potential of the BRICS economies in 2008 and dedicating her professional efforts to the development of the emerging BRICS architecture.
She also emphasized the importance of people-centric development and a global governance order that places people and societies at the centre of international cooperation.

“Today, during the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, we can see that the whole world is transforming towards BRICS.”


Purnima Anand participating in the ceremonial lamp-lighting
Russian Support for BIFA’s Expansion
Anastasia Dubrovskaia, representing Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), expressed support for the BIFA movement and its international expansion. Her remarks reinforced the event’s broader message that sport can provide a constructive space for dialogue even when international relations face tensions.

“With all this BIFA movement, it will just grow and grow.”


Anastasia Dubrovskai, Russian Federation
United by Football. Connected by BRICS
The event brought together participants from different countries around a shared proposition: BRICS cooperation can extend beyond diplomacy and economics to sport, culture and direct relations between societies. The motto “United by Football. Connected by BRICS” captured this people-to-people dimension.
The speakers converged on complementary aspects of the same vision: BIFA presented football as an instrument of peace; the BRICS International Forum connected the initiative to the wider BRICS transformation; Brazilian representation emphasized sport’s unifying character; and Russian representation supported the international expansion of the initiative.


Participants presenting footballs during the BIFA programme

BIFA India – Emerging Vision
• Build a people-to-people sporting network across BRICS countries.
• Use football to encourage friendship, cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
• Create opportunities for youth and communities to engage through sport.
• Develop sporting cooperation that continues beyond individual matches and competitions.
• Strengthen practical links among participating countries through football-led initiatives.



BIFA India launch participants during the ceremonial programme

Brazil, India and the Power of Football
The event highlighted Brazil’s distinctive place in the global football community and the potential for Brazil, India and other BRICS societies to use the sport as a common language. The initiative seeks to consolidate an international network in which football becomes a bridge between communities

Conclusion
The launch of BIFA India in New Delhi presented football as a common language capable of connecting people across national, cultural and political boundaries. Held alongside the 18th BRICS Summit, the event gave practical expression to the people-to-people dimension of BRICS cooperation.
The initiative reflects a broader understanding of sport as a tool for friendship, dialogue and social integration. By bringing together representatives and partners associated with India, Brazil, Russia and the wider BRICS community, BIFA India establishes a platform from which future sporting and people-to-people cooperation can be developed.


News Links:
BIFA launches India chapter to strengthen BRICS ties through football
BRICS football alliance launches India chapter to promote peace
https://www.aninews.in/news/sports/football/bifa-launches-india-chapter-to-strengthen-brics-ties-through-football20260913161339/
https://ground.news/article/bifa-launches-india-chapter-to-strengthen-brics-ties-through-football
https://thesamachardaily.in/articles/sports/brics-international-football-alliance-opens-india-chapter-to-boost-unity-through-spor/
https://www.latestly.com/agency-news/sports-news-bifa-launches-india-chapter-to-strengthen-brics-ties-through-football-7602760.html
https://thenewsmill.com/2026/09/brics-football-alliance-launches-india-chapter-to-promote-peace/
https://biblioredes.gob.cl/bibliotecas/lebu/noticias/escritora-espanola-visita-la-biblioteca-de-lebu?live-blog-32949140-2026-09-16-what-the-reviews-reveal-bifa-india-launch-signals-high-trust-potential-in

Contact:
BRICS International Football Alliance
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Website: https://bifa.ai/
Email: [email protected]

BRICS International Forum
Website: https://www.bricsforum.in/
Email: [email protected]