BRICS 2026 Summit: 11 Nations, 47% of Global Population Gather in New Delhi
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from the expanded 11-member bloc to discuss local currency trade, energy security, and global economic reforms.
Newsnibs Staff
- 2026-09-10
- Updated 7:50 AM UTC
(New Delhi, India)
India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from the expanded 11-member bloc under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the summit, which coincides with the grouping's 20th anniversary. The bloc now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
The agenda focuses on five areas: promoting local currency trade, expanding the New Development Bank, strengthening energy security, pursuing global institutional reforms, and conducting bilateral discussions. Together, the member states account for roughly 40 percent of global gross domestic product and 47 percent of the world's population.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive at the Air Force Station in Palam on Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend with an entourage of 400 officials, his first visit to India in seven years. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is also expected to take part. Some member states are sending alternate representatives: Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira will attend in place of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva due to elections in Brazil, while Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan will represent the United Arab Emirates.
Security measures across the capital involve around 25,000 personnel, including more than 100 National Security Guard commandos. Authorities have placed 11 hotels under heightened security protocols and designated 35 dedicated routes for visiting delegations. Delhi Traffic Police deployed nearly 4,800 personnel to manage restrictions across more than 35 roads, setting up 22 diversion points along corridors such as Sardar Patel Marg, Mother Teresa Crescent, and Akbar Road.
The Delhi government ordered closures across the city for Friday, shutting central and local government offices, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings, and the Supreme Court, along with its registry. The Directorate of Education ordered all government, government-aided, and private schools to remain closed. Banks, financial markets, the Delhi Metro, airports, and major railway stations are scheduled to operate normally.