PM Modi holds hands with Putin and Xi: 7 unmissable photos from BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi
Source Entity
The Indian Express

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13, 2026. The two-day event focuses on global governance, economic resilience, and multilateral cooperation among member nations.
India Hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit
On September 12 and 13, 2026, New Delhi serves as the global stage for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. Hosted at the Bharat Mandapam, this high-profile event marks a significant diplomatic milestone, occurring exactly 20 years after the formalization of the grouping. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lead the proceedings, welcoming heads of state from BRICS member countries for a comprehensive two-day agenda.
A Packed Diplomatic Itinerary
The summit is structured to facilitate both formal policy negotiation and informal diplomatic relationship-building. The first day, September 12, features a rigorous schedule including closed-door deliberations, an innovation exhibition, a ceremonial family photo, and a joint tree plantation. The day concludes with a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi, providing a platform for leaders to engage in high-level discussions outside the constraints of formal plenary sessions.
Core Agenda: Resilience and Multilateralism
The thematic focus of the 2026 summit centers on the critical need for 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.' As the world faces complex economic and security challenges, member nations are prioritizing discussions on food and energy security, health, and disaster resilience. By addressing these topics, the bloc aims to foster greater cooperation in critical supply chains, thereby insulating member economies against global volatility.
Expanding the Scope of Engagement
The summit is not limited to core members; the structure reflects an evolving geopolitical strategy. While the opening day focuses on BRICS member states, the second day, September 13, sees an expansion of the table. Leaders of partner countries and various outreach invitees are scheduled to join the proceedings, signaling an intent to broaden the influence of the bloc and integrate diverse regional perspectives into the global governance discourse.
Economic and Technological Integration
A pivotal pillar of the summit agenda is the focus on trade, investment, and technology. By creating a collaborative framework for technological advancement, the bloc seeks to enhance its collective economic competitiveness. This emphasis on innovation is underscored by the innovation showcase, which highlights the shared commitment of the 11 major emerging economies to leverage modern tools for sustainable development.
Geopolitical Implications
The timing of this summit—marking two decades of the grouping—highlights the evolution of BRICS from a niche economic concept to a primary driver of South-South cooperation. The focus on regional issues and global governance indicates that member nations are seeking a more robust role in shaping international norms. As the summit concludes, the outcomes regarding supply chain stability and multilateral reform will likely dictate the diplomatic trajectory of the participating nations for the remainder of the decade.
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