Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed confidence that the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi will produce constructive discussions on major global challenges, as leaders from member and partner countries arrive in India for the two-day diplomatic gathering.
In a message posted on X, Modi said leaders from around the world would assemble for the summit and expressed hope that their discussions would remain focused on global welfare.
The summit, scheduled to begin on Saturday, comes at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty. India is seeking to use its BRICS chairship to strengthen cooperation among member countries on issues including food and energy security, healthcare, disaster management and the resilience of critical supply chains.
The New Delhi meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continuing instability in West Asia, tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty over global trade policies.
Major leaders converge on New Delhi
The summit is expected to bring together a high-powered group of international leaders.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto are among the prominent leaders attending.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung are also expected to participate.
Their presence gives India an opportunity to hold discussions with countries representing diverse political and economic interests at a time when global cooperation is facing increasing pressure.
Putin begins three-day India visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Friday for a three-day visit linked to the BRICS Summit.
Putin is accompanied by a senior Russian delegation and is expected to hold talks with Modi on areas including bilateral trade, investment and energy cooperation.
The two leaders are also scheduled to discuss broader areas of India-Russia cooperation, including defence, technology, pharmaceuticals and people-to-people relations.
Putin’s participation is particularly significant as the summit takes place amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict and wider changes in the international geopolitical landscape.
Delhi placed under tight security
The arrival of multiple world leaders has prompted extensive security arrangements across the national capital.
Around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, 200 companies of paramilitary forces and more than 500 CCTV cameras are being deployed as part of the security arrangements for the summit at Bharat Mandapam.
Authorities have also introduced temporary traffic restrictions and diversions for routes being used by visiting leaders and their convoys.
Delhi Traffic Police has said the capital will not be completely shut down, but commuters may encounter temporary stoppages, diversions and restrictions in areas affected by VVIP movements.
India looks to strengthen BRICS role
The summit gives New Delhi an opportunity to demonstrate its diplomatic priorities and push for greater cooperation within the expanded BRICS grouping.
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid described the summit as an important opportunity for India to demonstrate leadership on the international stage.
Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said the participation of leaders from all 11 BRICS member countries, including China, Iran, Russia, South Africa and India, could provide an opportunity to bring countries together despite their differences.
With major geopolitical disputes continuing to shape the global environment, the New Delhi summit is expected to test BRICS’ ability to find areas of common ground.
For India, the immediate priority will be to ensure that discussions on economic resilience, energy, food security, healthcare and supply chains translate into meaningful cooperation while maintaining dialogue among countries with differing strategic interests.
