The Stage is Set in New Delhi
New Delhi is buzzing with activity as it prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam. India, which assumed the BRICS chair for the fourth time on January 1, 2026, is rolling out the red carpet
for leaders from the expanded 11-member bloc and numerous partner countries. The city has been adorned with summit-themed posters, and a significant security apparatus involving thousands of personnel is in place to ensure the safety of arriving world leaders. The extensive preparations, which have included over 350 meetings across 25 Indian cities throughout the year, underscore the scale and significance India places on its leadership role.
A Full House of Global Leaders
The list of attendees confirms the summit's high stakes. Leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are confirmed to attend, with Xi's visit being his first to India in nearly seven years. They will be joined by heads of state and senior representatives from all member nations, including South Africa, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE. A key update is the participation of numerous 'BRICS Partner Countries' such as Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam, reflecting the bloc's growing gravitational pull. The presence of leaders from international organizations like the UN, WHO, and WTO further broadens the scope of discussions.
The Agenda: More Than Just Economics
This year's theme, 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,' provides a framework for a wide-ranging agenda. The first day will feature a closed-door session for member countries focused on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism,” signaling a direct conversation about reforming international institutions. The second day expands to include partner nations for a session on inclusive global growth. Key topics include strengthening supply chains, energy and food security, and cooperation in technology and disaster resilience. A significant focus will be on increasing the use of national currencies in trade and linking digital payment systems, with India's UPI model being presented as a potential template for the bloc.
What the Preparations Reveal
These updates tell a story of ambition and a clear vision. Firstly, India is positioning itself as a central node in the Global South, using its chairmanship to champion a “people-first” and “humanity-first” approach to global issues. The extensive year-long series of meetings shows a methodical effort to build consensus before the main summit. Secondly, the focus on reforming global governance is not just rhetoric; it is the top item on the agenda for the members' exclusive meeting, suggesting a coordinated push for a more multipolar world order. Finally, the emphasis on practical economic integration—like payment systems and local currency trade—indicates a strategic move to create a more resilient and less dollar-dependent economic ecosystem among member states.
India's Pivotal Role
For India, hosting the summit at a time of significant geopolitical flux is a crucial opportunity. The gathering allows Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage in a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines, including a much-watched interaction with China's Xi Jinping. As the chair, India is tasked with navigating complex relationships, including tensions between the West and members like Russia and Iran, while steering the bloc toward tangible outcomes. The summit provides a platform for India to showcase its growing economic and technological prowess while reinforcing its long-standing role as a voice for developing nations and a bridge between different global factions.
