BRICS Summit Opens in New Delhi

Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries gathered in New Delhi for the group's two-day summit on Sept. 12 to Sept. 13, according to Indian officials.

The meeting, hosted at the Bharat Mandapam convention center, brings together heads of state from the expanded bloc of major emerging economies, which now represents a significant share of the global population. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are among the confirmed attendees, with the Russian and South African delegations also expected to participate in the two days of talks [1].

The summit's opening session focused on the bloc's institutional development and its role in global economic governance. Indian authorities have not announced a follow-up host for the next meeting, but reports indicate decisions may be deferred to the closing session.

Bangladesh, which was invited by New Delhi as an outreach guest, confirmed it will not send a representative. Leaders and representatives from other BRICS members, partner countries, and outreach invitees will also take part in the proceedings [1].

Expanded Membership and Global Reach

The BRICS bloc, formed in 2009, has expanded its membership in recent years to include new state partners from Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Indonesia became the bloc's newest full member in January 2025, a decision that added the world’s fourth-most-populous country to the group [2].

Reports indicate that around 159 countries are in the process of ditching the U.S. dollar in favor of local currencies for trade settlements, a trend that several BRICS members have actively promoted [3]. Leaders representing around 40% of the world's population are attending the summit, according to published figures [4].

The expansion reflects a broader effort by member states to build alternative financial and trade mechanisms. The grouping has invited six progressive nations to become new state members, a move that signals its ambition to serve as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions [5]. The trend of new members joining is growing, and careful thought goes into each new member's inclusion, according to analysts who track the bloc's evolution [6].

Agenda Items and Bilateral Talks

Current global developments will form part of the discussions as well, with leaders expected to address topics ranging from trade settlement systems to infrastructure investment. The agenda for the two-day meeting includes sessions on economic cooperation, food and energy security, and the reform of international financial institutions. Indian officials have also scheduled bilateral meetings on the sidelines, with Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin slated to hold talks in New Delhi, where bilateral ties and international issues are expected to feature prominently [1].

The table gets wider on Sunday, Sept. 13, when leaders from BRICS partner countries and outreach invitees join the summit for the second day of deliberations [1]. Observers note that the meetings come at a time when the global economic order faces multiple pressures – including inflation, supply chain disruptions and the continued realignment of trade relationships. The gathering is expected to bring together leaders of the Global South who also have the ability to set the direction of the global economy, individually and collectively [1].

Economic Context of the Host Nation

Host country India has recorded strong economic growth this year, and its government has positioned the summit as an opportunity to showcase its role as a bridge between major economies [1]. Indian officials have emphasized the country’s infrastructure development and its growing influence in international forums. The choice of New Delhi as the venue also reflects India’s ongoing efforts to balance its relationships with established powers and emerging economies.

The broader economic context includes ongoing discussions about the role of emerging economies in reshaping global finance. Several BRICS members have expressed interest in developing alternative payment systems and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade [3]. These initiatives remain at various stages of development, and the summit provides an opportunity for member states to coordinate their positions ahead of other international meetings later in the year.

Outlook for the Summit’s Outcomes

Analysts following the bloc’s activities expect the summit to produce a joint declaration covering the group’s priorities for the coming year. The closing session may address the question of future hosts, with decisions potentially deferred to allow member states time for consultation [1]. The summit’s outcomes will likely focus on practical cooperation measures rather than sweeping institutional reforms, given the diverse interests of the member states.

The gathering also highlights the ongoing realignment of global governance structures, as countries in the Global South seek greater representation in international institutions. The discussions in New Delhi are expected to touch on the reform of multilateral organizations, a topic that has gained traction among BRICS members in recent meetings. The two-day summit will conclude with a formal closing session, after which leaders are scheduled to return to their respective countries.

Conclusion

The New Delhi summit represents a continuation of the bloc’s efforts to expand its influence and coordinate policies among major emerging economies. With leaders representing a substantial portion of the global population in attendance, the discussions carry potential implications for trade, finance and international relations. The deferred decision on the next host adds an element of uncertainty to the bloc's institutional trajectory, while the presence of leaders from partner countries indicates the group’s ongoing outreach efforts.

The outcome of the two-day meeting will be measured by the extent to which member states can align their positions on the issues under discussion. As the summit concludes, attention will turn to the implementation of any agreements reached and the bloc’s next steps in its effort to reshape elements of the global economic order.

References

1. RT News. BRICS 2026: Who’s coming and what’s on the agenda? Published 10 Sep, 2026.
2. NaturalNews.com. Indonesia becomes BRICS blocs newest full member. January 08, 2025.
3. NaturalNews.com. Reports indicate around 159 countries are ditching the U.S. dollar.
4. NaturalNews.com. Leaders representing around 40 percent of the world’s population join BRICS summit in Kazan.
5. NaturalNews.com. BRICS bloc invites six progressive nations to become new state members.
6. NaturalNews.com. The trend is growing, and careful thought goes into each new member’s inclusion.

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