India plans to formally propose linking BRICS members' central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to streamline cross-border settlement at the group's September 12-13 summit in New Delhi. The Reserve Bank of India first advanced the concept in January, and the proposal follows a 2025 BRICS declaration calling for more interoperable payment systems. The initiative is intended to improve the speed and efficiency of trade payments rather than replace the U.S. dollar or create a common BRICS currency. Progress faces substantial political, technical and institutional obstacles, including strained relations between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, India's caution over deeper financial integration with China, limited global CBDC adoption and the need for common standards and regulatory coordination. Early work is expected to focus on feasibility studies and limited pilot programs, while currency-swap arrangements could be needed to manage trade imbalances.