Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed global leaders at the open session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian among the prominent leaders participating in the deliberations.
The second and final day of the summit is focused on India's four priorities for its 2026 BRICS chairship — resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability — with discussions centred on inclusive global growth and strengthening cooperation among member and partner countries.
The main open session, titled "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth," brought together leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees at Bharat Mandapam.
PM Modi pushes for greater Global South role
Addressing the summit, Modi called for reforms in the global governance system and said the Global South should have a greater role in shaping international rules.
The Prime Minister said reform of the United Nations Security Council could no longer be delayed and advocated moving away from what he described as a "pyramid of privilege" towards a "platform of partnership". He also stressed that BRICS should remain an inclusive grouping and not be viewed as an anti-Western alliance.
Modi has repeatedly highlighted a people-centric and humanity-first approach during India's BRICS chairship. India has placed resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability at the centre of its agenda and has sought to make BRICS cooperation more practical and development-oriented.
Focus on AI, digital infrastructure and economic resilience
Technology and innovation are key areas of discussion on the second day, with artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and fintech among the issues on the agenda.
Leaders are also discussing ways to strengthen economic resilience amid global uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, climate-related risks and other emerging challenges. Green finance, energy transition and sustainable development are also part of India's BRICS priorities.
Xi, Putin and Pezeshkian among key participants
The presence of Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian has added significant geopolitical weight to the summit.
Xi, who is visiting India for the first time in seven years, called for BRICS to play a role in promoting peace amid the conflict in the Middle East. He said China was ready to work with other BRICS members to support peace and cooperation.
Putin and Modi have also held bilateral discussions during the summit, while Modi met Pezeshkian separately on the sidelines of the gathering. The leaders' engagements come amid continuing tensions in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and shifts in global trade and economic relations.
New Delhi Declaration adopted
The Day 2 discussions follow the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026 on Saturday. The declaration reflects the expanded grouping's positions on a range of issues, including terrorism, global governance, trade, sanctions, energy, development and international conflicts.
BRICS now comprises 11 full members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — along with 10 partner countries.
The summit is being held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under India's chairship, marking the fourth time India has chaired the grouping.
