India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under its 2026 chairship. The gathering brings together leaders of member countries and partner nations at Bharat Mandapam under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
On the second day, leaders are scheduled to hold an open session titled “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.” The discussions centre on shared priorities, inclusive global growth and practical cooperation among the grouping.
BRICS currently includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, along with several partner countries. India began its fourth chairship on January 1, 2026; the year also marks two decades since the grouping was established. The chairship reflects a people-centred approach under the principle of “Humanity First.”
On Saturday, leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026. The document emphasises innovation, sustainability and people-to-people ties, aiming to make cooperation more practical and development-oriented.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. The two leaders reviewed the full range of India-China relations and reaffirmed the need for a strategic, long-term perspective. They stressed that differences should not become disputes and highlighted the importance of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Modi also conveyed best wishes for China’s upcoming BRICS presidency. The visit is Xi’s first to India since 2019.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Modi covering trade, defence, energy and related areas. Putin separately stated that Russia poses no threat to European countries and has no intention of seeking conflict with them.
Other bilateral engagements included Modi’s meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on trade, investment, defence, energy and digital cooperation, as well as discussions with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the BRICS Business Forum and met India’s President. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held separate talks with counterparts from Nigeria, Cuba and Belarus.
Security arrangements and traffic restrictions remained in place around Bharat Mandapam and key routes in the capital to facilitate the summit proceedings.
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