New Delhi: The national capital is fully geared up to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to welcome a high-profile roster of international heads of state and government. The two-day mega-gathering, scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, brings together leaders from an expanded 11-member economic bloc representing nearly 49 per cent of the global population and about 40 per cent of the world’s GDP.
Among the prominent global figures confirming their attendance are Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Diplomatic circles are closely tracking the high-stakes summit, particularly given its crucial timing amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in West Asia and shifting international trade frameworks.
The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping marks a significant diplomatic milestone, coming after years of bilateral friction and following ongoing efforts by both nations to normalize diplomatic and economic engagement. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s return to New Delhi highlights the enduring, decades-old strategic partnership between India and Moscow. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s participation draws considerable global attention as his first diplomatic visit to India since the onset of regional conflicts in West Asia.
In addition to core founding and expanded members—including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, representatives from Brazil, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the UAE—several partner nations and outreach invitees, alongside United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, are slated to participate in summit deliberations. Under India’s current BRICS chairmanship, held for the fourth time, the official theme centers on “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
Plenary discussions and closed-door bilateral sessions will focus heavily on bolstering resilient supply chains, enhancing digital economy cooperation, advancing alternative financial frameworks, and addressing global food and energy security. Extensive security arrangements have been finalized across Lutyens’ Delhi and key transit corridors to ensure smooth proceedings for the visiting dignitaries.