The 18th BRICS Summit is set to begin today at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre in New Delhi, bringing together leaders of the bloc’s 11 member states alongside representatives of partner and invited countries.
The summit is focused on strengthening economic cooperation, energy security and the role of the Global South in international governance.
Founded in 2006, BRICS has evolved into one of the most important forums for emerging economies. This year’s summit is being held amid multiple global crises, including the war in Ukraine, tensions in West Asia and a slowdown in the global economy.
The summit’s theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” highlights the need for greater coordination among member states in the face of economic and political pressures from the West.
BRICS Membership and Participants
Following its recent expansion, BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
New Delhi has also welcomed 10 partner and invited countries, including Belarus, Malaysia, Nigeria and Vietnam.
International organisations, including the United Nations, are also represented at a senior level at the summit.
Leaders Arrive in India
Leaders of the member states began arriving in New Delhi on Thursday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived on a special flight and, in addition to meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, attended the INNOPROM India industrial exhibition.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has returned to India for the first time in seven years. His meeting with Modi is among the most closely watched events on the sidelines of the summit.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also arrived in New Delhi and, in his initial remarks, stressed the use of national currencies in trade among BRICS members.
African and Asian leaders have likewise been arriving in the Indian capital since Thursday, while the city has been placed under heightened security measures.
Bilateral Meetings
Several bilateral meetings are taking place on the sidelines of the summit.
Modi and Putin discussed the expansion of trade and cooperation in nuclear energy, while Putin formally invited the Indian prime minister to visit Russia.
Modi also met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with the two sides stressing the need to strengthen economic and security cooperation.
The meeting between Modi and Xi was aimed at easing border tensions and rebuilding relations following the Ladakh crisis.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also held talks with Indian economic officials, including the chairman of the Adani Group.
Key Issues on the Agenda
Energy and food security, the resilience of supply chains, cooperation in healthcare and agriculture, stronger intra-BRICS trade and investment, and the development of emerging technologies are among the main issues on the summit agenda.
Reforming global governance and giving the Global South a greater role in international decision-making are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Today’s session is being held under the theme “Inclusive Global Governance,” while the main session on Friday will continue under the broader theme of “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Security and Traffic Restrictions
New Delhi has been placed under tight security during the summit.
More than 30,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city, while Delhi police have imposed extensive traffic restrictions from this morning through the evening.
Roads leading to the convention centre have been closed, and domestic flights have also been affected by changes linked to the summit.
Outlook
The summit is taking place amid differences among BRICS members over the war in Ukraine and crises in West Asia.
India, however, is seeking to use its presidency to steer the gathering toward consensus and produce a joint statement known as the “Delhi Declaration.”
The declaration is expected to emphasise economic cooperation, stronger multilateralism and reforms to existing global institutions.
