What is the story about?
New Delhi is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from the expanded bloc to discuss economic
cooperation, technology, energy and food security, global governance and pressing geopolitical issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the summit at Bharat Mandapam, marking the end of India's year long term as BRICS chair. The summit arrives at a tense moment on the world stage, with the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East crisis, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing global trade tensions all looming over the discussions. Leaders are working toward producing a joint New Delhi Declaration by the end of the two day gathering, which will also include bilateral meetings, an exhibition visit, a gala dinner and cultural performances.
Who's Coming to New Delhi
Several major world leaders are expected to attend, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres is also expected to be present.PM Modi has a packed schedule of sideline meetings planned, including talks with Putin on Friday, which follow their recent discussions at the SCO summit. PM Modi is also set to meet with Pezeshkian, with the ongoing Middle East conflict expected to shape those conversations.
Xi's trip carries particular weight since it will be his first visit to India in seven years. He is expected to arrive with a large delegation, with sources cited by Reuters earlier estimating around 400 officials, more than double the size of the group that traveled with him in 2019. The visit comes as India and China work to stabilize relations following years of border tensions.
What's on the Agenda
Food and energy security, healthcare, disaster resilience and critical supply chains are expected to be major discussion points. Leaders will also address trade, investment, connectivity, cross border payments, greater use of national currencies, support for small and medium enterprises, digital trade and artificial intelligence.Talks are also expected to cover development finance, climate resilience, expansion of the New Development Bank and potential reforms to multilateral financial and political institutions.
Global and regional issues, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the conflict in the Middle East and concerns tied to the Strait of Hormuz, will also come up. U.S. tariff policies and broader shifts in global trade are expected to shape much of the economic conversation. Since BRICS operates on a consensus basis, reaching agreement on the joint declaration could prove difficult given differences among member countries.
PM Modi Says New Delhi Is Ready
Ahead of the summit, PM Modi shared a video on X showing the Bharat Mandapam venue decorated for the occasion, writing that India is gearing up for BRICS 2026 and declaring the city "All set for BRICS 2026!"
Summit Schedule
The leaders' programme officially begins on Saturday, September 12. At 2:35 p.m., BRICS member country leaders will hold a closed door session titled "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism." At 4:25 p.m., leaders will tour the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, followed by a group photograph and a joint tree planting ceremony at 5:05 p.m. PM Modi will then host a gala dinner at 7:30 p.m.On Sunday, September 13, leaders from member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees will begin arriving at 9:55 a.m. An official group photo is scheduled for 10:35 a.m., followed by the main open session at 10:50 a.m., titled "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth." The summit is expected to wrap up with the release of the New Delhi Declaration.
How the Summit Will Affect Delhi
Connaught Place will stay open from September 11 to 13, though traffic restrictions tied to the summit may affect movement in the area. The Delhi Metro Museum at Supreme Court Metro station will be closed during the same period and is set to reopen on September 15.Rashtrapati Bhavan, along with its museum and the Amrit Udyan gardens, will also be closed to the public from September 11 to 13. The Change of Guard ceremony originally planned for September 12 has been cancelled.
India's Fourth Time as BRICS Chair
India took over the BRICS chairship on January 1, 2026, marking its fourth time holding the role, following previous terms in 2012, 2016 and 2021. This year's theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability," guided by a people centric approach called "Humanity First." During its chairship, India has organized more than 350 meetings and high level engagements across more than 25 cities.BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined the group in 2024, and Indonesia became a member in 2025. Ten additional countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, have joined as partner countries.
