'Will work with India, be friends': China ahead of PM Modi-Xi meeting in Delhi
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KARAN MANRAL
New Delhi is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13, 2026. The event focuses on global governance, multilateralism, and strengthening cooperation in energy, food security, and technology.
New Delhi Hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit
On September 12 and 13, 2026, New Delhi will serve as the global stage for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, held at the iconic Bharat Mandapam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to host leaders from across the bloc, marking a significant milestone as the summit takes place exactly 20 years after the formalization of this influential grouping of emerging economies, which now counts 11 member nations.
A Packed Diplomatic Agenda
The summit is structured to facilitate both high-level closed-door deliberations and public-facing displays of unity. The opening day features a rigorous schedule, including an innovation exhibition, a ceremonial joint tree plantation, and a formal family photo. These events serve as the backdrop for the central theme of the summit: "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism." By hosting these sessions, India aims to steer the conversation toward collective solutions for pressing international challenges.
Core Pillars: Resilience and Cooperation
Beyond the diplomatic pageantry, the substantive agenda is focused on critical areas of global concern. Discussions are slated to cover food and energy security, health, disaster resilience, and the stabilization of critical supply chains. These topics reflect the group's ongoing efforts to build resilience against external shocks, a theme that has gained prominence as global economic uncertainties persist and trade dynamics continue to shift.
Multilateralism in the Modern Era
The summit seeks to revitalize the commitment to multilateralism, an area where BRICS members are increasingly looking to coordinate their positions. By addressing global and regional issues, the leaders hope to present a unified front on trade, investment, and technology. The inclusion of partner countries and outreach invitees on the second day further demonstrates the group's intent to expand its influence and foster dialogue beyond its core membership.
Geopolitical Significance and Future Outlook
With high-profile bilateral meetings, such as the potential interaction between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi, the summit acts as a crucial venue for managing complex geopolitical relations. As the summit concludes, the outcomes regarding global governance reform and technological collaboration will likely shape the group's trajectory for the coming years, reinforcing its role as a key player in the evolving international order.
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