New Delhi: India is making final preparations to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the two-day gathering of leaders from the expanded grouping of emerging economies.
The summit is being organised under India’s 2026 BRICS theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India has identified institutional resilience, technological innovation, stronger economic cooperation and sustainable development as central priorities for its chairship.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several other heads of state and government are expected to participate. Bilateral meetings on the summit’s sidelines are likely to receive particular attention, including Prime Minister Modi’s engagements with Putin and Xi.
Trade, Technology and Energy on Agenda
BRICS leaders are expected to discuss intra-group trade, artificial intelligence, startup cooperation, critical minerals, green energy and the resilience of international supply chains. Proposals under consideration reportedly include a BRICS startup innovation fund, an incubator network and a logistics and supply-chain cooperation framework.
Reform of multilateral institutions and greater representation for developing countries in global decision-making are also expected to remain prominent themes.
The meeting comes amid serious international tensions, particularly the continuing conflict involving Iran and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Reaching consensus on West Asia could prove difficult because Iran and the United Arab Emirates are both BRICS members but hold sharply different positions in the escalating regional crisis.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Delhi Police, central security agencies and paramilitary forces have established multilayered security around Bharat Mandapam, diplomatic areas, designated hotels and routes used by visiting delegations. Anti-drone systems, CCTV surveillance, traffic diversions and emergency-response arrangements have been put in place.
Hospitals have also strengthened medical preparedness, while emergency services will remain operational during the summit. Residents have been advised to check traffic notifications before travelling through central and New Delhi.
The summit will be an important test of whether the enlarged BRICS grouping can convert its growing global influence into coordinated action on trade, technology, development and international security.
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