Oxford law graduate Viraansh Bhanushali speaks at New Delhi’s BRICS summit

Viraansh Bhanushali, a University of Oxford law graduate from Mumbai, took the stage as a youth speaker at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Bhanushali spoke about BRICS, India-China relations and the Global South at the gathering, which brought leaders from member countries to the capital earlier this month. New Delhi hosted the 2026 BRICS summit on September 12 and 13.

He had previously gained attention online for speaking against a motion at the Oxford Union that described India’s policy towards Pakistan as a populist disguise for security policy. In that debate, he referred to India’s security concerns and his memories of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Bhanushali studied BA Jurisprudence at St Peter’s College, Oxford, and served as the Oxford Union’s Chief of Staff. He has said that he grew up with a stammer and worked towards becoming comfortable with public speaking, describing his voice as “built, not gifted”.

After graduating, he is relocating to New Delhi to start his legal practice.