BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi prepares for global leaders as trade, defence talks take centre stage

New Delhi is gearing up to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12–13, with heightened security, infrastructure upgrades and extensive preparations across the capital.

The summit is expected to bring together leaders and delegations from BRICS member countries, putting the spotlight on trade, economic cooperation and geopolitical ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the summit. Discussions could include defence cooperation, trade and economic ties, with the possible sale of Russia's Su-57 fighter aircraft also attracting attention.

For markets, the broader focus will be on whether the summit leads to greater cooperation on trade, investment, payments and economic partnerships among BRICS nations.

Delhi gets a makeover ahead of BRICS Summit

Delhi is getting a major makeover ahead of the BRICS Summit, with preparations visible across Central Delhi. BRICS-themed hoardings and posters have gone up at bus stops, on street lights and across key public spaces, while even Delhi Police barricades have been given a fresh look with the summit branding.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is working across 41 major routes, carrying out repairs to roads and footpaths, clearing public spaces and checking street lights. Thousands of flower pots

are also being placed across Central Delhi, along with new lighting and floral installations at important locations.

Security has been stepped up as well. Nearly 100 NSG commandos have conducted mock counter-terror drills at multiple locations, including Bharat Mandapam and Rajghat, rehearsing rapid-response and hostage-rescue operations.

Delhi Police is also conducting rehearsals for VVIP motorcade routes while tightening surveillance and coordinating traffic and security arrangements across key stretches of the city.

With leaders and delegations from around 25 countries expected in the capital, Delhi is preparing for the September 12–13 summit on a large scale. Over the next few days, the city is expected to look different — and traffic and security arrangements are likely to change as well.

Putin meeting could put defence and trade in focus

Modi's meeting with Putin is likely to be closely watched by investors, particularly for signals on defence cooperation and bilateral trade.

The possible discussion around the Su-57 aircraft comes at a time when India continues to push for greater domestic defence manufacturing and indigenisation.

Any fresh announcements or agreements could therefore be relevant for India's defence ecosystem, including companies involved in aircraft manufacturing, electronics, engineering and other defence-related supply chains.

Xi's possible visit adds to market interest

China's President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend the BRICS Summit, although official confirmation was still awaited at the time of the report.

If confirmed, the visit would be significant as it could mark Xi's first visit to India in seven years. Any engagement between the two countries could attract attention from businesses and investors, particularly around trade and broader economic relations.

Iran's President is also expected to attend the summit, adding another important dimension to discussions among BRICS members.

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