India is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit starting September 12, transforming New Delhi into a global diplomatic hub as leaders from across the expanding bloc converge for two days of critical discussions. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in the Indian capital within hours, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will follow shortly after on September 12.
The summit, organized under India's rotating BRICS presidency, carries significant weight as the grouping looks to redefine its role in an increasingly fractured world order. Central to the agenda is economic cooperation among member nations, with proposals on enhancing trade settlements in local currencies, forging new pathways for technology transfer, and building resilient supply chains that can withstand global shocks.
Energy security remains a cornerstone of the deliberations. With global energy markets still reeling from geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, BRICS countries are expected to explore collaborative frameworks for oil, natural gas, and renewable energy exchange. Food security is another pressing topic, given ongoing disruptions to global grain supplies and rising commodity prices that continue to affect millions of vulnerable citizens across developing nations.
Global governance reform tops the political agenda, with BRICS members seeking a more representative multilateral system. India has consistently championed reforms at institutions like the United Nations Security Council and the International Monetary Fund, arguing that current structures do not reflect the realities of 21st-century geopolitical and economic dynamics. The bloc also intends to address mounting trade tensions, particularly those involving Western tariffs and protectionist policies that many developing economies view as unevenly applied.
Beyond the flagship summit sessions, the event is expected to feature thematic working groups on sustainable development, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven growth. Analysts say the expansion of BRICS in recent years — with new members joining alongside original partners Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has only amplified the group's collective influence and the complexity of reaching consensus.
Security arrangements in New Delhi are being ramped up to handle the influx of foreign dignitaries, and officials say India aims to deliver tangible outcomes from the gathering that reinforce BRICS as a vehicle for the Global South.
