Global Impact Forum 2026: India-South Africa Ties to Take Centre Stage Ahead of BRICS Summit

New Delhi: With India set to host the BRICS Summit later this year, the second edition of the Global Impact Forum, themed 'Civilisational Legacy', is scheduled to be held from September 5 to 6, 2026. The forum aims to bring together diplomats, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, academics, and cultural leaders from across BRICS nations for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Ahead of the event, South Africa's Consul General Gideon Labane addressed a media roundtable, highlighting the longstanding relationship between India and South Africa. He described the partnership as one that requires acceleration rather than introduction. “The relationship between our countries is not something that needs introduction; it needs acceleration,” he said.

Mr. Labane noted that South Africa recently completed its presidency of the G20, while India currently holds the chairmanship of BRICS. “Between us, we have held the pen on the Global South agenda for two consecutive years. The question now is not whether our voice is heard or not; it is whether our voice becomes supply chains, investments, and standards,” he stated.

The Consul General also underscored the economic complementarity between the two nations. He pointed out that South Africa possesses critical minerals essential for modern technologies, many of which are designed in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He added that South African companies are increasingly looking to Karnataka for capabilities that can be developed without necessarily being based in South Africa.

Speaking about the Indian-origin community in South Africa, Mr. Labane said there are approximately 1.7 million people of Indian origin, constituting about 3% of South Africa's total population. He stressed the cultural and historical ties that bind the two nations.

Explaining the significance of platforms like the Global Impact Forum, Mr. Labane remarked that a consulate can convene governments, but cannot easily bring capital and culture into a single room at the same time. He said the forum is designed to do exactly that. “We are hoping to have about 20 business leaders from South Africa during the two days of the event,” he added.

The Global Impact Forum II is being positioned as an international platform to foster deeper cooperation among BRICS nations, which together represent a significant share of the global economy and population. The event is expected to focus on leveraging shared civilisational legacies to address contemporary challenges, including trade, investment, and sustainable development.

India's BRICS presidency in 2026 is seen as an opportunity to further amplify the voice of the Global South. The upcoming forum, held in this context, is likely to serve as a precursor to the summit, setting the stage for substantive discussions on economic collaboration and cultural understanding.

Organisers have indicated that the forum will feature sessions on technology, trade, and cultural diplomacy, along with opportunities for networking and partnership-building. Details on the venue and confirmed participants are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.