Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday for an 11-member BRICS summit, joining leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as economic pressures and conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine shape the two-day meeting, according to reporting by Reuters and The Guardian. The summit opens Saturday at Bharat Mandapam, bringing together major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions.
Middle East Conflict and Gulf Fault Lines at the Summit
The expanded BRICS group faces a stern test of cohesion as wars in the Middle East and Ukraine dominate the agenda, according to regional analysts cited in summit reports. The bloc expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—nations holding sharply contrasting positions on the conflict launched by the United States and Israel in February, as reported by Reuters.
“The Gulf conflict is going to be the central fault line this time during the Brics summit,” said Harsh V Pant of India’s Observer Research Foundation, as reported by The Guardian. “What was seen until last year as an achievement – the expansion of Brics – today looks like a big constraint on Brics.” Capital Economics analyst Shilan Shah noted that the tension over Iran already prevented BRICS foreign ministers from agreeing on a joint statement during their May meeting in New Delhi.
China-India Relations and Xi Jinping’s Visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival marks his first visit to India since 2019, representing a notable step in a cautious diplomatic thaw between the neighboring powers, according to Reuters and The Guardian. Ties between the two nuclear-armed nations deteriorated following a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border six years ago. While direct flights, visa processing, and high-level contacts have gradually resumed, deep mistrust persists due to an ongoing border dispute, a widening trade deficit, and regional strategic rivalry.
Welcoming arriving heads of state on social media, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, according to Reuters: “One should engage in debate and friendship only with the virtuous, and nothing whatsoever with the unvirtuous.” Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Vladimir Putin, who last visited India in December 2025, alongside discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Energy Security and Global Governance Priorities
India continues to balance complex diplomatic ties with Western nations while relying heavily on Russian energy supplies, navigating the global oil market disruption caused by the conflict involving Iran, according to Reuters. Alongside energy security, India’s agenda as summit chair emphasizes supply chain resilience, cross-border payments utilizing national currencies, artificial intelligence, and reform of global financial institutions.
Did you know? The BRICS forum was originally established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging market economies to coordinate economic policy and challenge institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers, according to historical records cited by Reuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the BRICS Summit taking place?
The 18th BRICS heads-of-state summit takes place on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India, as reported by The Hindu.
Which new nations are participating in the expanded BRICS group?
According to The Hindu and Reuters, the bloc now includes 11 members following the additions of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia.
What are the primary topics on the 2026 summit agenda?
Discussions focus heavily on the geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, international trade turbulence, energy supplies, cross-border payments, and supply chain resilience, according to Reuters and The Hindu.
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