The upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026, is poised to be a pivotal event in international diplomacy. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to attend, marking Xi's first visit to India since 2019. This summit holds particular significance as it will be the first under India's BRICS chairmanship, following its assumption of the role on January 1, 2026.
The BRICS grouping—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has been a platform for emerging economies to collaborate on various global issues. India's chairmanship presents an opportunity to steer discussions on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, aligning with the summit's theme.
Xi Jinping's visit is particularly noteworthy, as it will be his first to India since the informal summit in Mamallapuram in October 2019. The subsequent Galwan clashes in 2020 had strained bilateral relations, making this visit a significant step towards mending ties. The resumption of direct flights and easing of visa restrictions further indicate a thaw in relations.
For Russia, President Putin's participation underscores the importance of the BRICS platform in fostering multilateral cooperation. His attendance, confirmed by Russian officials, highlights the Kremlin's commitment to strengthening ties within the bloc.
The summit's expanded format, now known as BRICS+, includes new members such as Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. This expansion reflects the bloc's growing influence and its role in representing a broader spectrum of the Global South.
As the summit approaches, attention will be on the discussions that unfold, particularly concerning global economic governance, trade practices, and the bloc's stance on international conflicts. The outcomes of this summit could have lasting implications for international relations and the balance of global power.