BRICS and the dragon in the room: How China’s economy dwarfs the rest, in 4 charts
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Udit Misra
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. The event focuses on global governance, economic resilience, and multilateral cooperation among its 11 member nations.
India Hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit
On September 12 and 13, 2026, New Delhi will serve as the global epicenter for diplomacy as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at the Bharat Mandapam. This high-profile event marks a significant milestone, occurring exactly 20 years after the formalization of the grouping, which has since expanded to include 11 major emerging economies.
A Packed Diplomatic Agenda
The two-day schedule is meticulously curated to balance formal governance with cultural diplomacy. The opening day, September 12, features a series of high-level engagements, including a welcome ceremony, closed-door deliberations, an innovation exhibition, and a symbolic joint tree plantation. The day concludes with a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi, designed to foster informal dialogue among the heads of state.
Core Pillars of Discussion
The summit’s agenda is heavily centered on 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.' Member countries are expected to engage in deep-dive sessions regarding trade, investment, and technology. Furthermore, the leaders will address critical global challenges, specifically focusing on building resilience in food and energy security, health infrastructure, and the stabilization of critical supply chains.
Strategic Expansion and Inclusivity
A notable feature of the 2026 summit is its multi-tiered structure. While Saturday’s sessions are reserved for BRICS member states, Sunday’s proceedings will expand to include partner countries and specific outreach invitees. This architecture reflects the group's evolving strategy to influence global policy and incorporate a broader coalition of voices into the discourse on international economic and political stability.
Geopolitical Implications
Beyond the stated agenda, the summit serves as a platform for critical bilateral interactions. Reports indicate that a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to occur on the sidelines of the event. Such interactions underscore the role of the BRICS platform in managing complex regional dynamics while simultaneously pursuing a collective vision for a multipolar global order.
Conclusion
As the summit kicks off at the Bharat Mandapam, the focus remains on the group's ability to navigate the complexities of the 21st-century economic landscape. By prioritizing disaster resilience and technological cooperation, the 18th BRICS Summit aims to solidify its relevance as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation, setting the tone for international collaboration in the years to come.
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