Leaders from Asia, Africa and the wider Global South arrived in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, which India is hosting on September 12-13.
Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow were among those who arrived.
World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also reached the national capital for the summit.
Delhi Rolls Out Red Carpet For World Leaders
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal welcomed Marcos, who is attending as the current chair of ASEAN.
He described the Philippines as an important pillar of India’s Act East policy,
noting the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership covering trade, maritime security and regional connectivity in the Indo-Pacific.
Jaiswal also welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo, saying India looked forward to advancing a shared vision of “greater cooperation, development and prosperity”.
Extending warm greetings to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia, on his arrival to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He was received by MoS @satishdubeyy at the airport.
We look forward to advancing our shared vision of greater cooperation, development and… pic.twitter.com/SanzqGHLvx
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 11, 2026
On Thailand, he highlighted the countries’ “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and their “age-old links”, saying Sihasak’s visit would further deepen bilateral ties.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla was also welcomed, with Jaiswal describing India-Cuba ties as “warm and friendly” and highlighting cooperation on shared priorities as Global South partners.
African Union, WTO At Summit
Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye is attending the summit representing the African Union.
Jaiswal said India and the African Union are closely engaged in advancing shared priorities of the Global South.
Delighted to welcome President Évariste Ndayishimiye @GeneralNeva of Burundi as he arrives in New Delhi to represent the African Union @_AfricanUnion at the 18th BRICS Summit. He was warmly received by MoS @BjpVarma.
India and the African Union are deeply engaged in advancing… pic.twitter.com/ci4Hro5A83
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 11, 2026
The WTO chief’s participation is expected to add a trade and development dimension to the summit. Jaiswal said her presence would help advance discussions on “inclusive trade and development” and ensuring the global trading system “delivers for all”.
India’s BRICS chairship this year is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with development, sustainability and innovation among its key priorities.
The 11-member grouping brings together Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
The summit comes against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, economic fragmentation, technological disruption and climate pressures, with India seeking greater cooperation among emerging economies and stronger representation for the Global South.
(With inputs from agencies)
