New Delhi, September 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed BRICS leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as India began hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit under its 2026 chairship.
Modi received Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other leaders at the summit venue.
India assumed the BRICS Chairship on January 1, with its presidency guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the theme reflects Modi’s vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of “Humanity First.”
The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation among BRICS members on shared priorities, while leaders will also exchange views on global and regional developments of mutual interest.
The opening session of the summit is being held behind closed doors under the theme “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.”
Later on Saturday, BRICS leaders are scheduled to visit the “Bharat Innovates Exhibition”, participate in a family photograph and take part in a tree plantation programme. Modi will also host the visiting leaders for a dinner in the evening.
BRICS currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The group’s partner countries are Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
India is a founding member of BRICS and has previously held the grouping’s chairship in 2012, 2016 and 2021. Its current chairship is the country’s fourth.
The year 2026 also marks 20 years since the establishment of BRICS, adding significance to India’s current presidency and the 18th summit.
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