The Where and When
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. This marks India's fourth time chairing the influential bloc, having previously led in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The national capital has been extensively decorated,
and robust security measures are in place, with around 15,000 police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces deployed to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. The summit's theme, chosen by India, is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” reflecting a focus on practical outcomes and a people-first approach.
Who Is on the Guest List?
The summit will bring together leaders from the expanded 11-member group. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are among the heads of state attending, marking significant visits for both leaders. Other confirmed attendees include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The UAE will be represented by Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, while Brazil's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mauro Vieira, will attend on behalf of his country. Leaders from several 'Partner Countries' like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam will also be present, underscoring the bloc's growing influence.
What's on the Agenda?
Discussions in New Delhi will span a wide range of topics across three main pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural cooperation. Key economic priorities include strengthening trade, enhancing supply chains, and greater cooperation on cross-border payment systems and digital currencies. The agenda also features collaboration on technology, energy security, and sustainable development, with a focus on implementing the BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership 2030. Beyond economics, leaders are expected to exchange views on major global and regional issues, including the reform of global governance institutions to give a stronger voice to the Global South.
The Geopolitical Backdrop
This year's summit convenes amidst a complex international landscape marked by conflicts and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing war in Iran is expected to be a challenging topic, as member countries hold diverse positions and relationships with the involved parties. For India, chairing the summit requires a delicate balancing act. It must navigate these internal divisions while also managing its own strategic partnerships with Western nations like the United States, which will be closely watching the summit's outcomes. The ability to achieve consensus on key issues, particularly in the final joint declaration, will be a major test of the expanded bloc's cohesion.
India's Role and Objectives
As the 2026 chair, India aims to steer BRICS towards a constructive, solutions-oriented agenda focused on development and cooperation rather than geopolitical rivalry. New Delhi is leveraging its position to champion the interests of the Global South and push for reforms in multilateral institutions. India's leadership will be crucial in bridging differences among members and finding common ground. With its unique position in other groupings like the Quad and G20, India's diplomatic maneuvers at the BRICS summit will be carefully scrutinized as a reflection of its broader 'strategic autonomy' foreign policy.
