Delhi Turns Into a Global Diplomatic Hub as BRICS Leaders Converge for Historic Summit
PM Modi holds key meetings with Putin and Pezeshkian as leaders from Russia, Iran and Africa gather in New Delhi
New Delhi is witnessing a major diplomatic gathering as leaders from across the Global South arrive in India for the 18th BRICS Summit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a series of bilateral meetings ahead of the main summit.
With the formal BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13, the capital has already seen intense diplomatic activity. The arrival of several prominent leaders has added momentum to discussions on global trade, international cooperation, connectivity and other issues concerning emerging economies.
Modi-Putin meeting takes centre stage
One of the key diplomatic engagements of the day was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The two leaders discussed the India-Russia strategic partnership, including cooperation in areas such as energy, defence and trade. They also exchanged views on major international and regional developments.
The meeting comes as India and Russia continue to maintain close political, economic and strategic relations amid changing geopolitical circumstances.
Pezeshkian visit puts West Asia in focus
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit.
Prime Minister Modi and President Pezeshkian held talks covering bilateral relations and developments in West Asia. India and Iran have longstanding ties, with cooperation extending to trade, connectivity, energy and regional issues.
Iran’s participation is also significant for the BRICS grouping as member countries continue discussions on strengthening economic and commercial cooperation.
African leaders strengthen BRICS presence
The participation of African leaders has added an important dimension to this year’s summit.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is in New Delhi for the BRICS gathering, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is also participating in the summit.
Their presence comes as BRICS expands its engagement with African economies and focuses on areas including trade, investment, infrastructure, technology and development.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in India to attend the BRICS Summit, representing Nigeria at the high-level gathering.
The participation of Ethiopia, Egypt and Nigeria highlights the growing representation of African countries in BRICS discussions.
Trade and economic cooperation on agenda
Economic cooperation is expected to remain an important part of the summit discussions.
BRICS members are examining ways to increase trade and investment among member countries, strengthen supply chains and expand cooperation in technology and innovation.
The use of national currencies for international transactions is also among the issues receiving attention as member countries explore ways to facilitate trade and financial cooperation.
BRICS summit takes place amid global tensions
The summit is being held against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, conflicts and uncertainty in international trade.
Issues related to peace and security, economic cooperation, sustainable development and the concerns of developing countries are expected to feature prominently during the leaders’ discussions.
The expansion of BRICS has also brought together a wider group of emerging economies with different economic and geopolitical interests.
More leaders arrive in New Delhi
With leaders and senior representatives continuing to arrive in the national capital, diplomatic engagements are expected to continue ahead of the main summit sessions.
Prime Minister Modi’s meetings with Putin, Pezeshkian and other visiting leaders have formed an important part of the pre-summit diplomatic activity.
The formal 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with participating countries expected to discuss a range of political, economic and global issues.
