World leaders gather in New Delhi for 18th BRICS Summit

18th BRICS Summit 2026: Who are the world leaders attending in New Delhi, India’s role, and more The 18th BRICS summit will convene in New Delhi on 12‑13 September 2026, marking India’s fourth term as chair of the grouping. Delegates from Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and the host nation are expected to gather at the newly built International Convention Centre, a venue chosen to showcase India’s growing diplomatic infrastructure. The summit arrives at a time when the bloc seeks to deepen cooperation in trade, finance and security, while also confronting internal divergences over geopolitical alignments and economic policies..

India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, will host the proceedings and is slated to deliver the opening address. In his speech, Modi is likely to stress the importance of “inclusive growth” and the need for BRICS to serve as a counterweight to Western‑led financial institutions. The Indian government has prepared a detailed agenda that includes discussions on a digital rupee, renewable‑energy collaboration, and the establishment of a BRICS health fund aimed at pandemic preparedness..

Brazil will be represented by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is expected to advocate for greater South‑South trade and the reduction of tariff barriers within the bloc. Lula’s administration has been pushing for a more equitable global economic order, and the summit offers a platform to press for reforms at the World Trade Organization that would benefit developing economies. Analysts anticipate that Brazil will also seek support for its Amazon protection initiatives..

Russia’s delegation will be led by President Vladimir Putin, who remains a central figure in BRICS despite the country’s ongoing sanctions in the West. Putin is expected to underline the strategic partnership between Russia and China, particularly in the fields of energy security and defense technology. Observers note that Russia’s participation may be complicated by the continuing diplomatic fallout from its actions in Eastern Europe, yet the summit provides a rare diplomatic arena for Moscow to engage with non‑Western partners..

China will send President Xi Jinping, whose presence underscores Beijing’s commitment to the bloc’s expansionist agenda. Xi is likely to promote the “Digital Silk Road” and propose joint investments in infrastructure projects across member states. The Chinese leadership is also expected to push for a coordinated stance on issues such as the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the establishment of a BRICS development bank that can rival the International Monetary Fund..

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa will head the delegation from the continent’s most industrialised economy. Ramaphosa is anticipated to focus on issues of food security, climate change adaptation, and the strengthening of intra‑African trade links within the BRICS framework. He has previously called for a “new development model” that aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the summit will be a key venue to advance those goals..

Beyond the core five, a number of guest nations are expected to attend as observers, including Argentina, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Their participation reflects the bloc’s ambition to broaden its reach and to present a united front on matters ranging from energy transition to global governance. The inclusion of these countries also signals a shift towards a more diversified membership, potentially diluting the influence of any single power within the group..

Economic discussions will centre on the proposed expansion of the New Development Bank’s capital base, which currently stands at $150 billion. Member states are set to debate a further increase to $300 billion, a move intended to fund large‑scale infrastructure and green‑energy projects across developing economies. Critics argue that such expansion could strain the bank’s governance structures, while supporters contend it is essential for maintaining BRICS relevance in a rapidly changing financial landscape..

Security cooperation will also be on the agenda, with particular emphasis on maritime security in the Indian Ocean and cyber‑defence collaboration. India, as the host, has pledged to host a joint naval exercise later in the year, signalling a desire to project collective naval capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian and Chinese officials are expected to propose a framework for information sharing on cyber‑threats, reflecting growing concerns over state‑sponsored hacking and digital espionage..

The summit will be accompanied by a series of side events, including a cultural showcase highlighting the artistic heritage of each member country. Organisers have scheduled a BRICS business forum, where CEOs from multinational corporations will discuss investment opportunities in emerging markets. Additionally, a youth summit will run parallel to the main meetings, aiming to engage the next generation in dialogue on sustainable development and innovation..

Media coverage is expected to be extensive, with over 1,500 journalists from around the world receiving accreditation. The Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has set up a dedicated press centre equipped with translation services in the six official languages of the bloc. Security arrangements involve a multi‑agency task force, reflecting the high‑profile nature of the gathering and the need to safeguard both dignitaries and the public..

As the summit approaches, diplomatic activity in New Delhi has intensified, with numerous bilateral meetings scheduled on the sidelines. Observers note that the outcomes of these talks could shape the trajectory of BRICS for the next decade, particularly in terms of trade agreements and technology partnerships. While the summit’s formal declarations will be closely scrutinised, the real test will be the implementation of agreed‑upon initiatives in the months and years that follow..