New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday welcomed leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping as they arrived at Bharat Mandapam for the second day of the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Ghanaian President John Mahama, Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud were among the prominent leaders and representatives who reached the summit venue.
The leaders from BRICS member countries and outreach nations are scheduled to participate in an open session on Sunday, centred on the key pillars of this year's theme: "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth."
The session is expected to focus on areas of common interest and explore ways to expand cooperation among BRICS members and partner nations across multiple sectors. Discussions are likely to cover global challenges, sustainable development, economic cooperation and efforts to strengthen multilateral institutions.
On Saturday, the BRICS countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration, marking an important outcome of the first day of the summit being hosted by India. The declaration commended India for convening the Outreach/BRICS Plus Dialogue and said the country's chairship had provided "new impetus" to efforts aimed at strengthening international cooperation and solidarity.
The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS countries to the group's core principles, including mutual respect and understanding, sovereign equality, solidarity, democracy, openness, inclusiveness, collaboration and consensus.
The consensus reached on a joint declaration on the first day was described as a significant diplomatic achievement, particularly given the differing geopolitical positions of several member countries. The development highlighted the group's ability to maintain dialogue and identify areas of common ground despite complex international circumstances.
The New Delhi Declaration stated that, building on two decades of BRICS cooperation, member countries would further strengthen collaboration under three broad pillars — political and security cooperation, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
The grouping also reiterated its commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership in the interests of its people, promoting peace, supporting a more representative and fair international order, reforming the multilateral system and advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders and other distinguished guests at Bharat Mandapam on Saturday evening. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus were among those who attended.
A specially curated vegan dinner was organised for the guests, showcasing India's culinary diversity while highlighting sustainability, inclusivity and mindful hospitality.
The evening also featured "Navarasa — The Universe of Shared Emotions," a cultural presentation celebrating India's artistic traditions. Another major attraction was the BRICS Symphony, titled "One Rhythm, Many Cultures," which brought together musicians from BRICS member and partner countries for a collaborative performance symbolising cultural unity and shared aspirations.
