BRICS prepares a "bundle" of digital currencies: India promotes CBDC payments for trade and tourism by the 2026 summit
The BRICS are discussing the creation of a single payment system based on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs): India is promoting the idea of "linking" national CBDCs for trade and tourism settlements and may take the initiative to the BRICS 2026 summit. This is not a "single currency", but new payment "rails" that will potentially speed up transfers and reduce fees. We analyze the benefits for foreign economic activity and barriers — from interoperability to compliance and clearing.