🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping at a time of major geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders are expected to take part in the summit, which could have a significant impact on the emerging global order.
🟡 Modi–Xi Meeting Becomes a Major Focus
One of the most closely watched developments will be the proposed bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China has confirmed that preparations are underway for the meeting, with Beijing saying it wants to strengthen communication and cooperation with India while managing existing differences. Issues relating to bilateral relations, trade and broader strategic cooperation are expected to remain important.
🟡 BRICS Expands, Global Influence Grows
The BRICS grouping has expanded significantly in recent years and now has 11 member countries. Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia form the expanded grouping. Together, the members account for around half of the world’s population and a substantial share of the global economy, giving BRICS increasing weight in international affairs.
🟡 Dollar Dependence and New Payment Systems
Economic cooperation will be another major issue at the summit. BRICS countries are examining ways to increase trade using national currencies and develop independent payment mechanisms, potentially reducing dependence on the US dollar. However, differences between the financial systems and economic priorities of member countries remain a major challenge for turning these proposals into practical arrangements.
Startups, Supply Chains and New Economic Cooperation
🟡 India’s BRICS presidency is also pushing proposals
focused on entrepreneurship, technology and resilient supply chains. Among the initiatives under discussion are a BRICS Incubator Network, a proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund and a framework for cooperation in logistics and supply chains. These initiatives could open new opportunities for businesses, startups and technology companies across member countries.
🟡 Iran War Puts BRICS Unity to the Test
The summit is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing Iran conflict and disruptions to global energy and trade routes. Iran and the UAE, both members of BRICS, have found themselves on opposing sides of the crisis, creating an additional diplomatic challenge for the grouping. The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also raised concerns over oil supplies and global energy prices.
🟡 Delhi Under Tight Security
New Delhi has been placed under extensive security arrangements ahead of the summit. Security forces, surveillance systems and traffic restrictions have been deployed around important routes and venues. Authorities have also announced traffic diversions in central Delhi as foreign leaders and their delegations arrive for the summit.
The BRICS Summit 2026 therefore comes at a crucial moment. For India, the challenge will be to maintain strategic relations with countries having sharply different geopolitical positions while pushing economic cooperation, technology, trade and reforms in global institutions. The Modi–Xi engagement and the ability of the expanded BRICS to present a common position on major international issues will be among the most closely watched outcomes from New Delhi.
