New Delhi Hosts BRICS Summit as Emerging Powers Seek to Redefine Global Order

In a high‑profile gathering on Saturday, leaders from the 11‑member BRICS bloc convened in New Delhi to discuss trade, investment and the pressing geopolitical challenges that shape the world today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the summit, welcoming President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Xi Jinping of China, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, and counterparts from the remaining BRICS nations. The meeting comes amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as escalating U.S.–China tensions, forcing the bloc to find common ground among countries with divergent interests.

The summit was marked by a robust security presence, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed around the venue and across the city, and traffic restrictions and diversions implemented to accommodate the event.

Founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, and expanded to include South Africa in 2010, BRICS now represents roughly half of the world’s population and a significant share of global economic output. The leaders reiterated their commitment to greater representation for developing countries in international institutions and to strengthening economic cooperation across a range of sectors.

Key discussion points included energy, food security, technology, supply‑chain resilience, and reforms to the global financial architecture. A central theme was the reduction of reliance on the U.S. dollar, with members advocating increased use of their own currencies in trade and payments and pushing for alternatives to Western‑dominated financial institutions.

Russia and China underscored the bloc’s role as a counterweight to Western dominance, while Iran highlighted the need for mechanisms that shield members from economic pressure amid sweeping U.S. sanctions. President Pezeshkian emphasized expanding trade in national currencies, stating that it is a crucial step for the group.

China’s Xi is expected to address major international issues and ways to deepen cooperation, while India seeks to balance its long‑standing ties with Moscow and Tehran with growing economic, defense and technology links to Washington and Europe. The summit underscores the emerging powers’ ambition to reshape the global agenda for developing and emerging economies.