The 18th BRICS Summit has begun in New Delhi as India takes the lead as the BRICS chair for 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting leaders and representatives from several major emerging economies at Bharat Mandapam.
The two-day summit brings together leaders from 11 BRICS member countries and representatives from 10 partner countries. The meeting provides an important platform for countries to discuss global challenges and find ways to improve cooperation.
This year’s BRICS presidency is being guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Under this theme, participating countries are expected to discuss ways to strengthen their economies, improve international cooperation and respond more effectively to global challenges.
Several important issues are on the summit’s agenda. These include global governance, multilateralism, trade and investment, technology, food security, energy security, healthcare, disaster resilience and global supply chains.
The summit is also an opportunity for member countries to discuss economic cooperation and ways to increase trade and investment. Leaders are expected to explore how developing and emerging economies can work together to support growth and stability.
Several prominent world leaders are attending the meeting. They include Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The BRICS member countries represented at the summit include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The expanded group reflects the growing importance of emerging economies in global affairs.
The summit also includes partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. Their participation gives BRICS an opportunity to expand cooperation beyond its core membership.
India’s hosting of the summit highlights its growing role in discussions on international economic and political issues. The meetings are expected to focus on practical cooperation in areas that directly affect people’s lives, including energy, food, healthcare, technology and disaster management.
The BRICS Summit is therefore an important opportunity for member and partner countries to strengthen their relationships and work together on common challenges. The outcome of the two-day meeting could help shape future cooperation among emerging economies and support India’s efforts to promote greater multilateral cooperation.