New Delhi: Several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, arrived in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13.
Leaders from BRICS nations and partner countries reach Delhi
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Uganda Vice President Jessica Alupo and Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima were among the dignitaries who also arrived in the national capital for the summit.
India is hosting the summit as part of its fourth BRICS Chairship, which began on January 1, 2026. The year also marks two decades since the formation of the BRICS grouping.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed the visiting leaders, highlighting India’s strategic partnerships and commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Global South framework.
India chairing BRICS under ‘Humanity First’ vision
According to the MEA, India’s BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of “Humanity First.”
Russian President Putin arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit, while Iranian President Pezeshkian is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi to discuss trade and broader strategic cooperation.
BRICS now represents nearly half the world’s population
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025.
The grouping now represents nearly 49.5 per cent of the global population, about 40 per cent of global GDP, and roughly 26 per cent of global trade, making it one of the most influential international economic and political forums.
Besides heads of state, several foreign ministers and senior officials have also arrived in Delhi, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
UN chief, global financial institution heads also attending
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President of the New Development Bank Dilma Rousseff, and President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Zou Jiayi are also participating in the summit.
The two-day conclave is expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation, sustainable development, innovation, multilateral reforms and issues concerning the Global South.
