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The 18th BRICS Summit begins in New Delhi today, September 12, bringing together leaders from 11 member countries for two days of high-level discussions on global conflicts, trade, economic cooperation and the changing international order. India is hosting the summit under its 2026 BRICS chairship, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead discussions at Bharat Mandapam.
The summit comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, conflicts in West Asia, trade disputes and increasing rivalry between major global powers. The gathering is expected to test BRICS’ ability to present a united voice on international issues while promoting greater cooperation among emerging economies.
BRICS Leaders Assemble in New Delhi
Several prominent world leaders have arrived in the national capital for the summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and other senior leaders are attending the meeting.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior representatives from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are also participating in the expanded BRICS gathering.
The presence of leaders from major political, economic and energy powers makes the summit particularly significant for India’s diplomatic and strategic interests.
Modi-Putin Meeting Sets the Tone
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi ahead of the main summit. Their discussions covered political relations, defence cooperation, energy, space, trade, critical minerals, fertilisers and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions affecting maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers. Putin invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, and the Prime Minister accepted the invitation.
The meeting highlights the importance of the India-Russia relationship at a time when Moscow faces continued international pressure and India is attempting to maintain strategic autonomy in its foreign policy.
Ukraine War and Global Conflicts in Focus
The Russia-Ukraine war is expected to remain one of the major issues surrounding the BRICS Summit. India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means of resolving international conflicts.
However, BRICS members do not share identical positions on the war. Russia’s strategic partnership with China, India’s independent diplomatic approach and the interests of other member countries make it difficult for the grouping to adopt a strongly unified political position.
The summit is also taking place amid conflicts in West Asia and wider concerns over energy security, shipping routes and global food supplies. These developments have increased the importance of cooperation among BRICS countries.
India-China Relations Under Global Spotlight
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to India has added another major dimension to the summit. It is his first visit to India since the Galwan Valley border clash in 2020, which severely affected bilateral relations.
India and China have taken steps towards stabilising ties in recent years, including progress on border disengagement, the resumption of direct flights and improvements in business and travel links. Despite the cautious thaw, disagreements over the border, trade and strategic competition continue.
A possible interaction between Modi and Xi is being closely watched for indications of further progress in bilateral relations.
Trade, Digital Payments and Economic Cooperation
Economic cooperation is another key priority for India’s BRICS presidency. Discussions are expected to focus on trade barriers, investment, supply-chain resilience, technology and financial connectivity.
India has advocated stronger cooperation between national payment systems and greater use of local currencies in international trade. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called for BRICS countries to link their payment systems and make digital trade more accessible.
India’s Unified Payments Interface has become an important example of digital public infrastructure, and New Delhi is seeking to use its experience to promote greater financial cooperation among BRICS members.
BRICS Expansion Changes the Grouping
BRICS has expanded significantly beyond its original members of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping now includes countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
The expansion has increased BRICS’ demographic and economic weight, with the bloc representing more than 40 percent of the world’s population and a substantial share of global economic activity. At the same time, its growing membership has made consensus more complicated because member countries have different political interests and regional priorities.
The New Development Bank and proposed cross-border payment initiatives remain among the major practical achievements associated with BRICS cooperation.
Delhi Security and Traffic Restrictions
Extensive security arrangements have been put in place across New Delhi for the two-day summit. Bharat Mandapam, diplomatic hotels and major routes used by foreign dignitaries are under heightened security.
Delhi Traffic Police has issued advisories regarding diversions and movement restrictions on September 12 and 13. Several important roads and corridors may experience controlled movement, and commuters travelling towards airports and railway stations have been advised to plan their journeys carefully.
Authorities have also temporarily restricted public access to certain visitor attractions and government facilities to reduce congestion and support security arrangements.
India’s Priorities at the Summit
India’s BRICS chairship theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. New Delhi is expected to focus on practical initiatives involving technology, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, energy security, critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
The government is also using the summit to showcase India’s growing technological capabilities through the Bharat Innovates Exposition, which features Indian deep-tech startups and emerging technologies.
For India, the summit is an opportunity to strengthen its role as a leading voice of the Global South while maintaining balanced relations with Russia, China, the United States and Europe.
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What Lies Ahead
The two-day BRICS Summit will be closely watched for its discussions on global conflicts, economic reforms and the future of international cooperation. Whether the leaders can bridge their differences and produce meaningful outcomes will determine the significance of the meeting.
With Modi, Putin and Xi Jinping gathered in Delhi alongside leaders from the expanded BRICS membership, the summit represents an important moment in the evolution of a more multipolar world order. For India, hosting the event provides a platform to demonstrate diplomatic influence and push for a global system that gives greater weight to emerging economies.
