New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his engagement at the BRICS 2026 summit with a set of high-stakes bilateral meetings, focusing on strengthening economic ties and defence cooperation with the leadership of Egypt, Indonesia, and South Africa.
The meetings, held over two days in the host country's capital, saw Modi sit across from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. Each conversation was tailored to the specific strategic relationship India shares with the three nations, but a clear common thread emerged — expanding intra-BRICS trade and deepening security partnerships.
With Egypt, the focus centered on energy cooperation and trade route security through the Suez Canal, a critical artery for global commerce. Sources indicated that discussions also touched upon Egyptian investment interests in India's infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. Defence ties were another notable agenda item, with both sides exploring opportunities for joint military exercises and equipment procurement.
In the meeting with Indonesia, trade and the burgeoning Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia took centre stage. Indonesia is one of India's key partners in the ASEAN framework, and the two nations have been working to boost bilateral trade beyond their current levels. The prime minister and the Indonesian president also discussed counter-terrorism cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, areas of growing strategic importance.
The encounter with South Africa, BRICS's African cornerstone, revolved around investment flows, pharmaceutical cooperation, and representation of Global South voices in international forums. South Africa has consistently championed reforms at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, and Modi reportedly stressed the need for greater African participation in global decision-making bodies.
Analysts noted that the bilateral side of the BRICS summit is often where the most consequential outcomes are shaped, as group declarations can sometimes reflect compromised language. By engaging directly with leaders of major emerging economies, New Delhi appears to be pursuing a strategy of parallel partnerships that reinforce its position as a leading voice of the developing world.
The BRICS grouping itself has expanded significantly in recent years, welcoming new members and broadening its geographic footprint. India's approach within the bloc has been one of pragmatic engagement — balancing economic cooperation with an independent foreign policy stance.
The summit is expected to conclude with a joint communiqué addressing trade facilitation, digital economy cooperation, and climate finance — issues of shared concern among member nations.
