India, China, South Africa, Russia and Brazil discuss a major financial shift that could reshape global payments

These talks are a key part of the preparations for the 2026 BRICS summit, which will be hosted by India.

By exploring these digital linkages, the member nations hope to create a more integrated financial network that simplifies how money moves across their borders.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Sanjay Malhotra shared these updates during a recent event in Mumbai.

He explained that while several options are currently on the table, the project is still in the discussion stage.

The primary motivation behind connecting these systems is to make international transactions more efficient and affordable for everyone involved.

Reuters quotes Malhotra saying: “Cross-border payments is an area of interest for all of us, including the BRICS, because we feel there is a lot of scope for reducing cost“.

The push for financial integration goes beyond just technology; it also involves how different national currencies are used in international trade.

The RBI has already recommended to the Indian government that a formal proposal to connect CBDCs should be a major part of the agenda for the upcoming 2026 summit.

Alongside these technical connections, Governor Malhotra emphasized that the central bank is working to internationalize the Indian rupee.

By encouraging the use of local currencies for trade and cross-border payments, BRICS nations can potentially create a more stable economic environment.

This strategy aims to promote the use of member nations’ own money for daily business and trade, reducing the complexities often found in current global financial systems.

As these financial systems become more digital, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a major topic of discussion for central banks.

Governor Malhotra stated that the RBI views AI as a powerful capability to be harnessed rather than just a risk that needs to be contained.

He urged Indian banks to take an active role in this technological shift instead of watching from the sidelines.

To do this safely, he recommended that lenders create a complete inventory of all the AI models they use and establish clear governance policies approved by their boards.

Central banks around the world are watching how lenders use AI because of concerns regarding cyberattacks and operational risks.

However, Malhotra believes that progress does not have to come at the expense of security.

He noted that innovation and safety are not opposing goals, but are actually “complementary requirements of a durable financial system“.

This balanced approach to technology and finance will likely be a subject of discussions as BRICS nations work toward a more connected and independent financial future.