India is intensifying preparations for the BRICS Summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13, 2026, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre in New Delhi, as the expanded grouping prepares to address economic cooperation, political interests, sustainability and opportunities for closer collaboration among its members.
New Delhi is in the final stages of preparations for the international gathering, with banners celebrating the summit appearing across the city. Authorities have warned of potential traffic disruptions as diplomatic delegations travel between hotels, airports and the official venue, prompting extensive mobility and security arrangements.
The summit will be organised around the themes of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, which officials say reflect the bloc’s current priorities. India is assuming the rotating pro tempore presidency for the fourth time, following previous presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
The gathering is expected to provide leaders with an opportunity to review the state of cooperation within the group and pursue shared objectives while exchanging views on political, economic and other matters of mutual interest at regional and international levels.
Economic cooperation is expected to feature prominently, with discussions covering trade facilitation, investment opportunities and financial mechanisms intended to help member countries address economic challenges. The summit is also expected to provide opportunities for exploring new markets and developing collaborative ventures between member states.
As trade relations within BRICS evolve, participating countries are expected to examine areas in which their respective strengths can support greater economic resilience. Leaders are also likely to exchange best practices in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, areas that correspond with the summit’s emphasis on sustainability and resilience.
The bloc’s expansion has significantly widened the range of interests represented at the summit. BRICS currently comprises eleven members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
During 2025, the group also added ten partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. The expansion has broadened the grouping’s geographical reach and increased the range of perspectives expected to be represented in discussions in New Delhi.
Alongside formal sessions, the summit is expected to provide opportunities for bilateral meetings between member states. Such meetings will allow leaders to strengthen relationships and explore collaborative initiatives beyond the principal agenda.
For India, the summit also represents its fourth term as BRICS president. Its previous presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021 give New Delhi experience in shaping the organisation’s agenda, although the bloc has grown substantially since those earlier meetings.
Preparations in the Indian capital have also focused heavily on managing the practical challenges posed by the arrival of diplomatic delegations. The Delhi Police have conducted mobility drills and mapped alternative routes to facilitate the movement of official convoys and reduce disruption.
Authorities have encouraged citizens to use public transport, particularly the metro system, to help mitigate congestion during the summit period. Schools will be closed on September 11, while public and private sector offices will evaluate whether to close or adjust working schedules that day in accordance with government directives and internal organisational decisions.
The preparations reflect the scale of an event involving an expanded group of emerging and developing economies. With discussions expected to range from economic integration and investment to renewable energy and sustainable agriculture, the New Delhi summit will provide BRICS members with an opportunity to assess their cooperation and pursue shared objectives.
As India prepares to host the gathering, the September 12–13 summit is expected to place renewed attention on the bloc’s expanding membership, its economic priorities and its efforts to strengthen cooperation among its increasingly diverse members.
