BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi Prepares for Modi, Xi Jinping, Putin and Other Global Leaders
New Delhi is set to become the centre of international diplomacy as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the summit as India holds the BRICS chairmanship, bringing together leaders from the expanded grouping of emerging economies at a time of significant geopolitical and economic change.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among BRICS members in areas such as trade, investment, energy security, technology, food security, public health and resilient supply chains. India's 2026 BRICS presidency has been guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a broader emphasis on a people-centric and “Humanity First” approach.
Modi, Xi Jinping and Putin Among Key Leaders
The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin will make the New Delhi summit particularly significant. Xi is set to visit India for the first time since the 2020 border clashes, adding importance to his participation beyond the formal BRICS agenda. His visit comes as India and China have gradually worked towards stabilising bilateral relations and restoring greater engagement in areas such as trade and connectivity.
Putin's participation will also be closely watched. India and Russia continue to maintain a longstanding strategic partnership covering defence, energy, space, trade and other areas. Prime Minister Modi and President Putin had discussed bilateral cooperation and India's BRICS presidency during their August meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. Modiji had also confirmed that he looked forward to welcoming Putin to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit.
The summit will also bring together other leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and leaders from South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, Brazil, Ethiopia and other member countries. The participation of countries from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America highlights the increasingly broad geographical reach of BRICS.
Economic Cooperation at the Heart of India's Presidency
India's BRICS presidency has placed considerable emphasis on strengthening economic cooperation. During the BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur, member countries supported progress towards the BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030, while discussions also focused on increasing trade in services and developing more resilient and diversified global value chains.
For India, strengthening cooperation among BRICS economies can create opportunities for businesses, startups and smaller enterprises while improving connectivity with important emerging markets. The grouping is also examining ways to address trade-finance gaps and expand the participation of small businesses in international markets.
Energy, Technology and Sustainable Development
Energy security is another major area of cooperation under India's BRICS chairmanship. At the BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Gurugram, members discussed energy security, sustainability and innovation, while India announced the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
Technology and digital cooperation are similarly gaining importance. India's communications track has focused on resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital skills, innovation and startups. These priorities reflect the growing importance of technology to economic growth and public services across developing economies.
India has also promoted cooperation in education, youth development and environmental sustainability during its chairmanship. This wider programme demonstrates an effort to make BRICS cooperation extend beyond traditional areas of diplomacy and economics.
Geopolitical Challenges Add Importance to the Summit
The summit is taking place against a complicated international backdrop, particularly because of the continuing conflict involving Iran. Iran and the UAE are both part of the expanded BRICS grouping but have found themselves on opposing sides of the regional crisis. This creates an additional challenge for the organisation as its members attempt to reach common positions on international developments.
For India, the summit provides an opportunity to encourage dialogue and maintain cooperation despite differences among members. The growing size of BRICS gives it greater international relevance, but its diverse membership also means that consensus will require careful diplomacy.
India-China Engagement in Focus
Xi Jinping's visit is expected to generate particular attention because of its wider implications for India-China relations. The two countries have been working to reduce tensions and restore dialogue after a prolonged period of strained relations. The BRICS platform provides an important setting for the two sides to maintain communication while also discussing broader economic and regional issues.
Any engagement between Modiji and Xi on the sidelines of the summit will therefore be closely observed. While BRICS remains primarily a multilateral platform, such meetings can provide space for bilateral discussions on trade, border stability and wider regional developments.
New Delhi Ready for High-Level Diplomacy
The scale of preparations in the capital reflects the importance of the gathering. Extensive security arrangements have been put in place around the summit venue, hotels and routes that will be used by visiting leaders. Around 30,000 security personnel are being deployed for the event, with special arrangements for the protection and movement of foreign dignitaries.
The summit will also provide opportunities for several bilateral and informal meetings alongside the main sessions. Such interactions are often important in shaping agreements and building diplomatic understanding between participating countries.
The MGMM Outlook
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi places India at the centre of an important global diplomatic gathering, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosting leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The expanded BRICS grouping brings together countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, giving the platform growing significance in global economic and geopolitical affairs. India's presidency has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with priorities spanning trade, investment, energy security, technology, digital infrastructure, food security and stronger global supply chains. The participation of Xi and Putin also adds particular diplomatic importance, especially amid India's efforts to maintain strategic engagement with both China and Russia while advancing its own national interests.
The summit provides India with an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation among emerging economies and promote greater participation of businesses, startups and smaller enterprises in global markets. Discussions on energy security, smart grids, energy storage, digital innovation, cybersecurity, education and sustainable development reflect the broader role BRICS can play beyond traditional economic cooperation. At the same time, differences among member countries and ongoing geopolitical tensions underline the need for careful diplomacy and consensus-building. With the presence of major global leaders and the possibility of important bilateral engagements alongside the summit, New Delhi's hosting of BRICS 2026 demonstrates India's growing role in shaping dialogue on economic development, technology, energy and international cooperation.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Moneycontrol)
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