The 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from 11 nations to discuss trade, investment, and global conflicts, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and reduce reliance on Western financial systems.
The leaders of the BRICS nations convened in New Delhi on September 12, 2026, for a summit focused on trade, investment, and global conflicts. Hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the gathering included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and counterparts from other BRICS member countries.
The summit comes at a critical time, as ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising US-China tensions, test the bloc’s ability to find common ground among countries with diverse geopolitical interests.
Security measures were heightened in New Delhi, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed around the summit venue and other parts of the city.
Traffic restrictions and diversions were implemented to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.
Expanding BRICS Influence and Economic Cooperation
The BRICS bloc, originally founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010, has since expanded to include 11 members.
Representing about 50% of the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output, the group has increasingly called for greater representation for developing countries in global institutions. The leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, energy, food security, technology, supply chains, and reforms to global institutions.
One of the key priorities for the summit is reducing reliance on the US dollar. Members are promoting the use of their own currencies in trade and payments, as well as pushing for alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions. China and Russia view BRICS as a means to reduce Western dominance, particularly that of the United States, while strengthening cooperation among emerging and developing economies.
Strengthening Economic Ties and Reducing Dollar Dependence
At the BRICS Business Forum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s approach of ‘Make in India, Innovate with India, Scale for the World.’ He emphasized the need for action in the next decade, focusing on removing trade barriers and fostering economic growth. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his speech, stated that the grouping was not against anyone and that Moscow was open to cooperation with countries around the world.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian backed expanding trade in national currencies among BRICS members, stating, ‘One of the most important steps is to expand the use of national currencies in trade among the members.’ China, meanwhile, is leveraging the grouping to deepen its influence within the bloc and position it as a counterweight to US power. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning mentioned that President Xi was expected to discuss major international issues and ways to deepen cooperation among BRICS members.
Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Diplomatic Challenges
For India, the summit highlights its effort to maintain strategic ties with Russia and Iran while deepening relations with the US and Europe. New Delhi has sought to balance its longstanding partnerships with Moscow and Tehran with efforts to expand economic, defense, and technology ties with Washington and other Western nations. India has maintained close ties with both Moscow and Tehran despite the war in Ukraine and tensions between Iran and the US, while calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.
Mr. Modi met Mr. Putin and Mr. Pezeshkian separately in New Delhi on September 11, 2026, ahead of the summit. India is also hoping the forum will help ease its longstanding strained ties with China. Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi are expected to hold talks later on September 12, a meeting that could help consolidate a diplomatic thaw between the two countries after border tensions escalated in 2020.
A key test for India will be whether it can secure a joint statement from leaders at the summit. Those divisions were evident in May, when BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement over the Iran war, forcing India to issue a chairman’s summary instead. The summit convenes as fears grow that the Iran war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, may expand amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The bloc’s unity under pressure is expected to be tested as its members navigate differing positions on the conflict and relations with the US.
