When and Where is the Summit?
The 18th BRICS summit is scheduled to take place on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The primary venue for this high-profile event is the Bharat Mandapam, the same state-of-the-art convention centre that successfully hosted the G20 summit in 2023. This
marks India's fourth time chairing the influential bloc, having previously led in 2012, 2016, and 2021. The official logo and website for the 2026 chairship were launched back in January, formally kicking off a year of ministerial meetings and diplomatic engagements culminating in this week's summit.
Who Is Attending?
Leaders from across the expanded BRICS bloc are converging on New Delhi. The original five members—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—will be represented, although Brazil's foreign minister will attend instead of its president. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is also attending. Notably, the summit will see the first visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India in nearly seven years. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also confirmed to attend, marking his first in-person BRICS summit outside Russia since early 2022. Leaders from newer member states, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia, are also participating, alongside representatives from ten partner countries and several international organisations like the UN and WTO.
What's the Main Agenda?
India's theme for its 2026 chairship is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability”. This framework guides the summit's priorities. Key discussions will revolve around strengthening economic resilience, especially in supply chains for critical goods like pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. Another major focus is on technology, including cooperation on artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and creating alternative cross-border payment systems to reduce reliance on Western financial networks. Leaders will also address global governance reform, counter-terrorism, energy security, and climate action. The summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, a document outlining the group's collective stance and future plans.
How Is Delhi Preparing?
Hosting such a large-scale event requires extensive logistical and security planning, which has been underway for months. New Delhi is under a heightened security blanket, with around 15,000 police and 200 paramilitary personnel deployed to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has undertaken a major beautification drive, installing BRICS-themed posters and lighting along key routes from the airport to hotels and the summit venue. To manage the flow of VVIP convoys and minimise disruption, extensive traffic restrictions are in place, with authorities planning numerous diversion points. These measures are standard for major international summits and are designed to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and securely.
Why Does This Summit Matter?
This summit is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it showcases the bloc's growing influence after its recent expansion. The 11 member countries now represent nearly half the world's population and a substantial portion of global GDP. Secondly, it serves as a crucial platform for the Global South, offering a forum to coordinate on economic and political issues. For India, hosting provides a major opportunity to steer the agenda, build consensus among diverse members, and reinforce its own position as a leading global player capable of bridging divides. The discussions on alternative payment systems and strengthening trade within the bloc could have long-term implications for the global economic order. As leaders discuss pressing global challenges, the outcomes of the New Delhi summit will be watched closely around the world.
