The story of the iconic 1,212-pillar temple corridor that framed the Modi-Xi handshake
Source Entity
The Indian Express
New Delhi is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13, 2026. The event focuses on global governance, trade, and resilience, featuring high-level diplomatic engagements hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit: A Milestone 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 Bharat Mandapam. This high-profile event brings together leaders from 11 major emerging economies to address critical challenges in an increasingly fractured global landscape. As India assumes the mantle of host, the summit marks a significant diplomatic milestone, occurring exactly 20 years after the formalization of the grouping.
Core Agenda and Strategic Priorities
The summit is structured around a comprehensive agenda that prioritizes building resilience against global volatility. Key focal points include trade, investment, technology, and the strengthening of multilateral institutions. By dedicating sessions to food and energy security, health, and disaster resilience, the member nations aim to fortify critical supply chains, ensuring that the bloc remains a robust pillar of the global economy.
Diplomatic Engagement and Protocol
The two-day program is carefully curated to balance formal policy deliberations with essential diplomatic soft power. Saturday, September 12, features a rigorous schedule, including an innovation exhibition, a joint tree plantation ceremony, and a formal family photo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host a gala dinner, an event designed to foster personal rapport among leaders, which is essential for navigating the complex geopolitical discussions that follow in closed-door sessions.
The Focus on Multilateralism
A centerpiece of the discussions is the session titled 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.' This theme reflects the collective ambition of the BRICS nations to reform international institutions to better represent the interests of emerging economies. By engaging in these high-level deliberations, the leaders seek to provide a unified voice on global and regional issues, countering the pressures of unilateralism that have characterized recent international relations.
Outreach and Future Implications
The summit's architecture is designed for inclusivity, with the first day focused on core member states, while Sunday, September 13, invites partner countries and outreach participants to join the proceedings. This tiered approach allows for a broader consensus on the summit’s outcomes. As the world watches, the success of this summit will likely be measured by the concrete agreements reached on supply chain security and the depth of the commitment to a multipolar world order.
Conclusion: Defining the Next Decade
The 18th BRICS Summit represents more than just a diplomatic gathering; it is a strategic effort to define the group's trajectory for the coming decade. From the logistical preparations visible in the streets of New Delhi to the high-stakes talks at Bharat Mandapam, the summit underscores India's pivotal role in bridging the gap between established powers and the rising economies of the Global South.
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