Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto touched down in New Delhi on Monday to take part in the 18th BRICS Summit, one of the most significant multilateral gatherings of the year for leaders representing the world's fastest-growing emerging economies. The Indonesian leader was welcomed at the airport by senior Indian diplomatic officials ahead of the two-day conference that brings together the heads of state from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and now ten additional member nations that joined the expanded bloc in 2024.
Prabowo, who has been actively pursuing a more independent foreign policy posture since taking office, is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with several BRICS counterparts on issues ranging from trade and investment to regional security concerns in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific. His arrival marks a notable moment for Indonesia, which seeks to play a leading role within the expanded BRICS framework while maintaining its traditional strategic ties with Western nations.
The summit itself is being held against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition and calls for reforming international financial institutions that many BRICS members argue are dominated by Western powers. Key agenda items are expected to include discussions on alternative payment mechanisms, trade de-dollarization efforts, and coordinated positions on global climate finance and sustainable development goals.
India, as the host nation, has emphasized the importance of making BRICS more inclusive and action-oriented, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to raise issues of global south representation in bodies such as the United Nations Security Council. The gathering also comes at a time when several BRICS members are navigating complex diplomatic relationships with both Western alliances and each other, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.
Prabowo's delegation includes economic advisers and trade officials who are likely to explore deeper commercial linkages between Indonesia and other BRICS members, particularly in sectors such as palm oil, nickel, and renewable energy infrastructure.
