Sudhakar Dalela, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, serves as India's BRICS Sherpa as India holds the BRICS Chair in 2026. Currently Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, he coordinates India's positions, negotiations and summit preparations. He earlier served as Ambassador to Bhutan, Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C., and Consul General in Chicago. The first Sherpa/Sous-Sherpa meeting of India's chairship was held in New Delhi in February 2026. A Sherpa represents a member country in pre-summit negotiations, whereas the Chair is the country holding the rotating chairmanship.