India Welcomes World Leaders as BRICS Summit Takes Centre Stage Amid Two Major Wars
New Delhi: India is preparing to host an important gathering of global leaders as the BRICS Summit gets underway in New Delhi amid growing international tensions and two major ongoing conflicts. With leaders from some of the world’s most influential emerging economies arriving in the capital, the summit is expected to focus not only on economic cooperation but also on difficult geopolitical issues surrounding the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The atmosphere in New Delhi reflects the importance of the event. Posters welcoming foreign leaders have appeared across the city, while security has been significantly tightened around key locations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already arrived in the capital, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting India as well, marking a significant moment in India-China relations.
Xi’s visit is particularly noteworthy because it comes six years after his previous visit to India. Relations between New Delhi and Beijing went through a prolonged period of tension following the 2020 Galwan Valley border clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, while Chinese casualties were also reported. In recent months, however, the two countries have taken steps towards improving ties, including restoring flights, visas and high-level diplomatic contacts.
A BRICS Summit Under the Shadow of Global Conflicts
BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking a stronger voice in global institutions that have traditionally been dominated by Western powers. Over the years, the grouping has expanded considerably and now includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The expanded membership makes the current summit particularly significant. Several members have different positions on major international conflicts, meaning that reaching common ground on geopolitical issues may prove challenging.
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East are expected to remain important issues in discussions. At the same time, leaders are expected to concentrate on areas where cooperation is possible, particularly trade, economic development, multilateralism, innovation and sustainable growth.
India Seeks Greater Cooperation Through BRICS
As the 2026 BRICS chair, India is bringing together leaders from member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees. According to the Foreign Ministry, the summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation within BRICS and exchange views on important global and regional developments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that the two-day summit will lead to positive and meaningful discussions, with a broader focus on global welfare.
For India, the summit is also an opportunity to highlight its role as an important voice among emerging economies. Discussions on economic cooperation, global governance and stronger multilateral institutions could have long-term significance as countries seek greater representation in international decision-making.
Major Leaders Expected in New Delhi
Apart from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, several other prominent leaders are expected to participate in the summit.
The participants include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is also listed among the participating leaders. Brazil is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, while the United Arab Emirates is expected to send Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in place of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also likely to participate, although a formal announcement was still pending at the time of the report.
What the Three-Day Programme Looks Like
The summit-related programme is spread across several days at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
On Friday, September 11, the programme includes an opening session followed by thematic discussions. Leaders are also scheduled to attend a session showcasing India’s BRICS journey before a dedicated leaders’ session later in the day.
On Saturday, September 12, leaders of BRICS member countries will participate in a closed-door session focused on inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism. The programme will also include a visit to the Bharat Innovates Exhibition, a family photograph and a joint tree-planting event. The day will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On Sunday, September 13, leaders of BRICS partner countries and outreach invitees are expected to arrive at Bharat Mandapam. The day’s programme will include a family photograph followed by an open session focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with an emphasis on shaping the future of inclusive global growth.
Delhi Under Heavy Security
Hosting so many senior international leaders has also brought major security and traffic arrangements to the national capital.
Delhi has been placed on high alert, with thousands of police personnel and paramilitary forces deployed across the city. More than 500 CCTV cameras, including high-resolution cameras, facial-recognition systems and vehicle number-plate reading cameras, are being used for round-the-clock monitoring in important areas.
Authorities have also increased security around the airport, hotels where visiting dignitaries are staying, Bharat Mandapam and other locations included in the leaders’ movements.
Delhi Traffic Police has said that the city will not be completely shut down during the summit. However, commuters should expect temporary stoppages, diversions and restrictions whenever VVIP convoys are moving.
More than 35 roads could experience an impact during the summit period. Among the key routes identified are Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, Shanti Path, Janpath, Ashoka Road, Barakhamba Road, Tolstoy Marg, Africa Avenue Road, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg and APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
People travelling between Noida and central Delhi, east Delhi and central areas, as well as those heading from Dwarka and western parts of the city towards Dhaula Kuan, the airport and south Delhi, are expected to experience the biggest disruptions.
Why This Summit Matters
The 2026 BRICS Summit comes at a time when the global political and economic landscape is changing rapidly. The presence of countries with different geopolitical interests makes the gathering both complicated and important.
For India, the summit provides a platform to bring countries together despite their differences and encourage dialogue on areas of mutual interest. Economic cooperation, stronger multilateral institutions, innovation and sustainable development are expected to remain central themes.
The meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders such as Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian and Xi Jinping will also attract considerable international attention. Beyond the formal summit discussions, these bilateral meetings could provide opportunities to discuss trade, economic ties and broader diplomatic relations.
With global conflicts continuing to influence international relations, the BRICS Summit is therefore more than just another diplomatic gathering. It is an opportunity for emerging economies to discuss their shared interests, navigate their differences and consider how they can play a larger role in shaping the future of global governance.
As world leaders gather in New Delhi, India will be looking to use its BRICS chairmanship to promote dialogue, cooperation and a stronger voice for developing and emerging economies on the global stage.
News source: Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
