India is gearing up to host a major diplomatic gathering as leaders from the expanded BRICS grouping prepare to meet in New Delhi. The summit comes at an important time for the bloc, following its recent expansion and as India takes on the responsibility of steering discussions on trade, technology, finance, energy and global governance.
The two-day leaders meeting will bring together heads of state and government from BRICS member countries, along with other invited participants and senior officials. With several major issues expected to be on the table, here is everything you need to know about the BRICS Summit 2026, including its date, venue, schedule, key agenda, participating countries and leaders expected to attend.
When And Where Is BRICS Summit 2026?
The BRICS Leaders’ Summit 2026 will be held at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on September 12 and 13. The BRICS Business Forum will precede the leaders meeting on September 11 at the same venue. A meeting of the Women’s Business Alliance is also scheduled alongside the business forum. India has organised more than 350 BRICS-related meetings and high-level engagements across over 25 cities during its chairship.
What Is India’s BRICS 2026 Theme?
India’s theme for its 2026 BRICS chairship is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting the broader message of “Humanity First.” The agenda focuses on strengthening cooperation among member countries while promoting practical outcomes in areas including economic development, technology, sustainability and global governance.
BRICS Summit 2026: What Are The Key Priorities?
Discussions at the summit and related meetings are expected to cover several major areas:
• Resilient global supply chains and trade
• Cross-border payment systems
• Greater use of national currencies
• MSME development
• Digital trade
• Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Energy security
• Climate resilience
• Development finance
• New Development Bank
• Reform of global governance institutions
BRICS broadly operates around three areas of cooperation: political and security matters, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. A joint Leaders Declaration is also expected, subject to agreement among participating countries.
Who Are The BRICS Members In 2026?
The expanded BRICS grouping currently has 11 member countries:
• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
Indonesia became a full BRICS member in 2025.
Which Countries Are BRICS Partner Countries?
The grouping also has 10 partner countries:
• Belarus
• Bolivia
• Cuba
• Kazakhstan
• Malaysia
• Nigeria
• Thailand
• Uganda
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
These countries are part of the expanded BRICS framework but are distinct from the 11 full members.
BRICS Summit 2026: Which Leaders Are Expected?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host the summit in New Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to participate. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend. If confirmed, the visit would mark his first trip to India since his 2019 meeting with Modi in Mamallapuram. A bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi could be among the key diplomatic developments surrounding the summit.
Other leaders expected to participate include South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also expected to take part, subject to formal confirmation.
BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Security And Holiday Arrangements
The summit is expected to bring heightened security measures across New Delhi because of the movement of several foreign leaders and other VIPs. Central government offices in Delhi will remain closed on September 11 to support logistical arrangements. The Delhi government has also declared September 11 a public holiday for its offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings.
Residents and commuters can expect security checks and traffic restrictions around the summit venue and routes used by visiting dignitaries.
Why Is BRICS Summit 2026 Important?
The 2026 summit is particularly significant as it marks 20 years of BRICS and comes after the grouping’s major expansion. India’s chairship places New Delhi at the centre of discussions on trade, finance, technology, energy, climate and reforms to international institutions. The summit is also expected to provide an important platform for bilateral discussions between India and major partners, including Russia and China.
Where Can You Find Official BRICS Summit 2026 Updates?
The official BRICS 2026 website contains information about India’s chairship, events, meetings and the summit programme. The portal can be accessed at brics2026.gov.in.
