Why all eyes are on Delhi as BRICS leaders gather

The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, set to take place in India's capital, New Delhi on September 12 and 13, has garnered significant attention as the bloc marks its 20th anniversary. The two-day meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will focus on a range of critical topics including trade, finance, technology, energy security and global governance reforms.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to attend, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to participate, marking his first visit to India since 2019. This gathering comes as the BRICS bloc expands to include 11 members, with Indonesia joining in 2025. India's chairmanship of the group, which follows its previous presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021, places added importance on the summit.

Key issues for discussion include resilient global supply chains, cross-border payments, the use of national currencies, digital trade, artificial intelligence, and the development of small and medium enterprises. Energy security, climate resilience, development finance, and the expansion of the New Development Bank are also expected to be on the agenda.

India has already hosted over 350 BRICS-related meetings since taking over the chairmanship, demonstrating its commitment to the group's agenda. The summit will culminate in a joint Leaders' Declaration, pending consensus among members, and provides India with a crucial platform for bilateral engagement with Russia and China, while promoting the interests of the Global South.