NEW DELHI: The 18th Brics Leaders’ Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12-13, bringing together leaders of the expanded grouping for discussions on economic cooperation, technology, energy and food security, global governance and major geopolitical issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the summit at Bharat Mandapam as India concludes its year-long Brics chairship.The summit comes amid looming concerns over Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East crisis, Strait of Hormuz shipping and continuing global trade tensions. Leaders are expected to work towards a New Delhi Declaration, while the two-day programme will also include bilateral meetings, an exhibition visit, a gala dinner and cultural events.
Key leaders in India
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are among the key leaders expected in New Delhi. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also attend.PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders on the sidelines of the summit. His meeting with Putin on Friday comes after their recent talks at the SCO summit, while his engagement with Pezeshkian will take place against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict. The Russian president will reach India early Friday.Also read: Putin meeting PM Modi on Friday; energy, defence high on agendaXi’s visit is particularly significant as it will be his first trip to India in seven years. The Chinese president is expected to travel with a large delegation, with sources, cited by Reuers, earlier estimating around 400 officials, more than twice the number that accompanied him in 2019. His visit comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to stabilise ties after years of border tensions.Read more: China confirms Xi Jinping’s India visit for Brics summit on September 12-13, first trip in 7 yearsMeanwhile, foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Burundi, Gedion Timothewos and Edouard Bizimana, have already arrived in New Delhi on Thursday.
Key agenda, topics in focus
Food and energy security, healthcare, disaster resilience and critical supply chains will be among the key areas of discussion.Leaders are also expected to discuss trade, investment, connectivity, cross-border payments, greater use of national currencies, MSME development, digital trade and artificial intelligence.Development finance, climate resilience, expansion of the New Development Bank and reforms of multilateral financial and political institutions are also on the agenda.The Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle East war and concerns over the Strait of Hormuz are expected to feature in discussions on global and regional developments.US tariff policies and wider changes in global trade will provide the broader economic backdrop. Since Brics decisions are consensus-based, differences among members could make negotiations on the joint declaration challenging.
‘All set’: PM Modi
New Delhi is gearing up for the two-day summit, with Bharat Mandapam decked up to welcome world leaders.Modi shared a video of the venue on X on Thursday, ending with the message, “India is gearing up for BRICS 2026”. Sharing the video, he wrote: “All set for BRICS 2026!”The video contains visuals of the Bharat Mandapam, the sprawling complex in central Delhi, which has been decked up for the Summit that is being held on September 12-13 under India’s chairship.India is hosting the 18th Brics Summit as the grouping’s 2026 chair, with leaders of member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees expected to participate.
Schedule
The main leaders’ programme begins on Saturday, September 12.At 2.35 pm, Brics member-country leaders will hold a closed-door session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism”. At 4.25 pm, leaders will tour the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, followed by a family photograph and joint tree-planting ceremony at 5.05 pm.PM Modi will host a gala dinner at 7.30 pm.Then, on Sunday, September 13, leaders of member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees will begin arriving at 9:55 am. The official group photograph is scheduled for 10.35 am, followed by the main open session at 10:50 am, titled “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth”.The summit is expected to conclude with the New Delhi Declaration.
1,200-1,300 journalists expected
The ministry of external affairs expects around 1,200-1,300 journalists to cover the summit, with Indian and foreign media expected to be roughly evenly represented.An International Media Centre is being set up at Bharat Mandapam. The government plans to disseminate information through press releases, websites and social media platforms linked to India’s Brics presidency.
Cultural showcase
Around 160 artistes from India and other Brics countries will perform the “Brics Symphony” at PM Modi’s gala dinner on September 12. The programme will feature Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak, along with traditional instruments and vocal performances.A special Brics Friendship Mural is also being created at Bharat Mandapam by artists from member countries, inspired by “Sangam”, or confluence.
Delhi all decked up with beefed up security
BRICS banners and posters have gone up across the New Delhi district, while prominent areas including Connaught Place and Khan Market have seen enhanced lighting at night. Security agencies have also stepped up surveillance, with around 500 CCTV cameras deployed across the area, including some equipped with number plate recognition technology.Manish Kumar Agrawal, Special Commissioner of Police (Protective/Security Division), said, “We have made elaborate bandobast by ensuring minimum inconvenience to the public. We have also issued advance advisories regarding traffic arrangements,” Agrawal said.Delhi Police has put in place multi-layered security and quick-response arrangements to ensure the movement of visiting leaders and delegates. Senior officers have also been directed to maintain strict vigilance and ensure smooth coordination during the summit.Traffic restrictions are expected in parts of the city during the movement of foreign dignitaries, which could affect commuters despite markets and commercial areas remaining operational.Also read: Going to airport, central Delhi or south Delhi? BRICS traffic restrictions you need to knowConnaught Place will remain open from September 11 to 13, although traffic restrictions linked to the summit may affect movement.The Delhi Metro Museum at Supreme Court Metro station will remain closed from September 11 to 13 and reopen on September 15.Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum and Amrit Udyan will also remain closed to the public from September 11 to 13. The Change of Guard ceremony scheduled for September 12 will not take place.Also read: Brics Summit, nationwide bank strike tomorrow: Are banks open or shut on September 11? Check detailsNorthern Railway has also made temporary changes to train operations from September 11 to 13. Several trains from New Delhi and nearby stations have been cancelled, diverted, rescheduled or short-terminated/originated during the period. Passengers have been advised to check the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) or call 139 for the latest updates before travelling.Read more: Operations at New Delhi railway station to be regulated; several trains cancelled, diverted – check full listMeanwhile, Delhi is likely to witness rain on both days, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate rainfall in parts of the city, even as temperatures remained above normal on Thursday.
India chairs Brics for the fourth time
India assumed the Brics chairship on January 1, 2026, for the fourth time, after previous chairships in 2012, 2016 and 2021.India’s theme for the year is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with “Humanity First” as its people-centric approach. During its chairship, India has held more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements across more than 25 cities.
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Brics originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined in 2024, while Indonesia became a member in 2025.Ten countries, including Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam, have joined as partner countries.The 11-member grouping accounts for about 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, around 40 per cent of global GDP and about 26 per cent of global trade, according to Indian government figures.