When and Where Is the Summit?
India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in its capital, New Delhi, on September 12 and 13, 2026. The primary venue for this high-profile international gathering is the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam convention center at Pragati Maidan. India assumed
the rotating chairmanship of the bloc on January 1, 2026, marking its fourth time in this leadership role after previously hosting in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The 2026 summit is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the BRICS group's formation.
The Expanded Guest List
The summit will bring together leaders from the now 11-member BRICS bloc. Confirmed or widely expected attendees include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and the leaders of newer member states like Egypt, Iran, and Indonesia. Brazil’s president is expected to be represented by the country's Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira. Beyond the core members, India has extended invitations to numerous partner and outreach countries, with leaders from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Thailand expected to participate. Heads of major international organizations, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Trade Organization, are also scheduled to attend, underscoring the event's global significance.
What's on the Agenda?
India has framed its chairmanship around the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The agenda reflects these four pillars. Key discussions are expected to revolve around strengthening economic ties, particularly in trade, cross-border payment systems, and building more resilient supply chains. The topic of de-dollarization, or increasing the use of national currencies in trade between member nations, is a significant point of interest. Other major agenda items include cooperation on technology and artificial intelligence, energy security, and a collective push for the reform of global governance institutions like the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank. Leaders will also exchange views on pressing global conflicts and regional security concerns.
Delhi on High Alert
New Delhi is transforming into a high-security fortress for the summit. The security operation is massive, involving an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 personnel from Delhi Police and various central agencies. The multi-layered security grid covers the airport, hotels hosting delegations, and all routes leading to the Bharat Mandapam venue, with anti-drone systems and extensive surveillance in place. To manage the movement of numerous VVIPs, significant traffic restrictions and diversions have been planned across the city, with authorities conducting motorcade rehearsals to ensure smooth transit. Logistical planning has been extensive, with over 350 preparatory meetings held in more than 25 cities across India in the lead-up to the summit. To minimize traffic disruptions, some domestic dignitaries may even travel to the venue together by bus.
Why This Summit Matters
The 2026 summit is a pivotal moment for BRICS. It’s the first major in-person summit under India's chairship since the bloc's recent expansion, which now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia. This larger group now represents nearly half of the world's population and approximately 39% of global GDP, giving its decisions significant economic and political weight. For India, hosting offers a crucial platform to champion the interests of the Global South and steer the narrative on key international issues. The summit also provides a venue for critical bilateral diplomacy, with a widely anticipated meeting scheduled between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in India since border tensions escalated in 2020.
