Dbarta24 Desk- World leaders are converging on New Delhi as India hosts the two-day 18th BRICS Summit under tight security.
Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the high-profile gathering brings together heads of state from major emerging economies to discuss bilateral trade, economic integration, and pressing global security issues.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in the Indian capital and is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will also meet separately with Modi.
These discussions are expected to focus heavily on strengthening economic ties, energy cooperation, and navigating the global economic fallout caused by ongoing geopolitical disruptions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the summit in India, marking his first visit to the country in six years following the severe deterioration of bilateral relations after the 2020 Galwan Valley border clash.
Recent diplomatic efforts have seen a gradual thaw between New Delhi and Beijing, marked by the resumption of direct flights, visa services, and high-level dialogues, with a potential side meeting between Modi and Xi anticipated during the event.
Established in 2009 to amplify the representation of emerging markets in a Western-dominated global order, BRICS has expanded its geopolitical footprint to include energy giants such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
As the 2026 BRICS chair, India has invited several partner and outreach nations to participate in the summit. India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that discussions will center on deepening cooperation across shared priorities and addressing key regional issues.
Expressing optimism on social media, Prime Minister Modi stated: “It is with honest and virtuous people that one should converse, work together, debate, and build friendships.”
To safeguard the high-level delegation at the primary venue—Bharat Mandapam—New Delhi has deployed over 15,000 police officers, 200 paramilitary companies, and installed more than 500 high-definition CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition technology.
While traffic management protocols will temporarily restrict movement during VIP motorcade movements, authorities clarified that the city will not face a full shutdown.