Delhi Prepares for 18th BRICS Summit

New Delhi is taking on a heightened diplomatic profile as world leaders arrive for the 18th BRICS Summit. The two-day meeting is scheduled for September 12 and 13.

The capital has been illuminated and decorated ahead of the high-profile gathering.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has already arrived in India. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to reach New Delhi tonight, according to ANI reports.

Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has also arrived to participate in the summit.

Several other prominent leaders are expected to attend. They include Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Partner countries will also be represented by senior leaders.

Meanwhile, authorities have intensified security measures across Delhi. Several hotels are preparing to host foreign dignitaries and their delegations. They are arranging dedicated services for food, housekeeping and guest movement.

Security checks have also been strengthened at hotels and important locations. Access rules have been tightened for official areas. In addition, barricades have been installed at several points across the capital.

Traffic movement is likely to face restrictions during the summit. Authorities are putting detailed routes and security arrangements in place. These measures aim to ensure smooth movement for visiting leaders and their official teams.

The summit will bring together BRICS member nations, partner countries and representatives of major international organisations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to participate. Senior officials from the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization and New Development Bank are also expected.

India is hosting the summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The theme reflects a people-centric approach based on the principle of “Humanity First.”

Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation within BRICS. Leaders will also exchange views on major global and regional developments.

Issues concerning emerging economies and the wider Global South are likely to receive attention.

BRICS comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.

Its partner countries include Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

With heightened security and global attention, the summit is set to become an important diplomatic event for India and its BRICS partners.

Image Credit: Joel Godwin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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