Xi in the room, PM Modi warns against 'weaponisation of critical minerals'
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ROHITASHWA RANJAN
New Delhi is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12-13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam. The event focuses on global governance, trade, and resilience, featuring high-level diplomatic engagements hosted by PM Narendra Modi.
The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit: A Strategic Gathering in New Delhi
On September 12 and 13, 2026, New Delhi serves as the global stage for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. Held at the iconic Bharat Mandapam, this high-stakes diplomatic event brings together leaders from 11 major emerging economies to address critical challenges in global governance and economic cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host the delegation, marking a significant milestone as the grouping celebrates the 20th anniversary of its formalization.
A Packed Diplomatic Agenda
The summit is structured to facilitate both formal policy discourse and informal diplomatic bridge-building. The first day, September 12, features a rigorous schedule including closed-door deliberations, an innovation exhibition, a ceremonial joint tree plantation, and a formal family photo. The day will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by PM Modi, an essential tradition for fostering the personal rapport necessary for complex international negotiations.
Core Pillars of Discussion
The agenda for this summit is anchored in the theme of "Building Resilience." Leaders are expected to engage in deep-dive discussions regarding global and regional issues, with a specific focus on trade, investment, and technology. Furthermore, sessions titled "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism" highlight the bloc’s intent to reshape international order to better reflect the needs of emerging economies, particularly in the realms of food and energy security, health, and disaster resilience.
Expanding the Diplomatic Reach
While the first day is dedicated to the core BRICS member states, the summit’s scope expands on Sunday, September 13. This second day incorporates partner countries and outreach invitees, broadening the dialogue beyond the primary membership. This inclusive approach is designed to amplify the collective voice of the Global South, addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities and the necessity for a more equitable global economic framework.
Geopolitical Implications
With reports suggesting high-level bilateral engagements, such as a potential meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping, the summit serves as a crucial barometer for regional stability. By emphasizing multilateralism, the BRICS nations are signaling a collective push toward a multipolar world. The focus on technology and critical supply chains suggests an effort to insulate member economies from external shocks, reflecting a broader trend of strategic autonomy among the participating nations.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The 18th BRICS Summit is more than a diplomatic ritual; it is a platform for defining the economic and geopolitical trajectory of 11 emerging powers. As New Delhi navigates the complexities of hosting this summit, the outcomes—ranging from technological partnerships to joint statements on global governance—will likely influence international trade policies and diplomatic relations for years to come.
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