New Delhi: New Delhi is preparing to host one of the year’s major diplomatic gatherings as leaders of the BRICS countries arrive in the capital for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signalled India’s readiness for the summit, posting on social media that the country is “all set for BRICS 2026”. In another message, Modi expressed confidence that the gathering would lead to meaningful discussions on issues of global importance and contribute towards wider international welfare.
India is chairing BRICS in 2026, with the summit bringing together the leaders of the expanded 11-member grouping. The current BRICS membership comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The summit comes against the backdrop of major geopolitical and economic developments, with BRICS expected to provide a platform for discussions on international cooperation, global governance, economic issues, development and other matters of common interest. India’s 2026 chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend the summit. Prime Minister Modi had already met Putin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, where the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on India’s BRICS chairship. Modi said he looked forward to welcoming Putin to India for the 18th BRICS Summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to be among the prominent leaders attending the New Delhi meeting. The summit comes as India and China have gradually increased high-level engagement following a period of strained bilateral relations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is another key participant expected at the gathering. With Iran, Russia, China and other major emerging economies represented within the grouping, discussions at the summit are likely to draw attention to a range of regional and global developments alongside the economic agenda.
BRICS has evolved considerably since its formation, expanding beyond its original group of major emerging economies. The grouping now represents a substantial share of the world’s population and economy and has increasingly become a platform for countries of the Global South to coordinate positions on global governance and development. According to the latest government backgrounder, the 11 BRICS members collectively account for around 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, 40 per cent of global GDP and 26 per cent of global trade.
For India, the 2026 chairship has involved a broad programme of ministerial and official-level meetings covering areas such as trade, education, communications, environment and other sectors. These discussions are expected to feed into the agenda and outcomes of the leaders’ summit.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened in the national capital ahead of the arrival of foreign dignitaries. Bharat Mandapam and the routes used by visiting leaders are expected to remain under heightened security, while traffic arrangements are being coordinated to manage the movement of official convoys.
The two-day summit will provide India with an opportunity to showcase its priorities under the 2026 BRICS chairship while seeking greater cooperation among member countries. The government has described the grouping as an important platform for advancing practical cooperation and addressing shared challenges.
As New Delhi prepares to welcome the participating leaders, Prime Minister Modi’s message that India is ready for BRICS 2026 sets the tone for a summit expected to attract significant international attention.
