India Prepares to Host 18th BRICS Summit as Delhi Tightens Security Ahead of Global Leaders’ Gathering
New Delhi is entering the final phase of preparations for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, 2026. India is hosting the summit during its fourth BRICS chairship, with the gathering coming as the grouping marks two decades since its establishment.
India has chosen the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The government says its chairship is centred on a people-focused approach under the principle of “Humanity First”, with discussions expected to cover cooperation among member countries as well as major global and regional issues.
Preparations have involved an extensive diplomatic programme. More than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already been organised across over 25 Indian cities during India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, covering political and security issues, economic and financial cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Security preparations have intensified sharply in the capital. Delhi Police has conducted motorcade rehearsals and reviewed security arrangements across sensitive areas, while traffic restrictions and diversions are being planned around the movement of international dignitaries. Authorities have also reviewed security along the Yamuna and strengthened arrangements around the NDMC area.
The National Security Guard has launched extensive mock exercises under “Operation BRICS Kavach.” Commandos conducted simulated counter-terrorism, hostage-rescue and emergency-response drills at locations including Bharat Mandapam, Rajghat, JLN Stadium and the Army Polo Ground. The exercises are intended to test coordination between the NSG, Delhi Police and other security agencies.
The summit is also expected to carry significant geopolitical weight. Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to attend, with the Kremlin saying he is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to attend, bringing the India-China relationship into focus alongside the wider BRICS agenda.
India’s discussions with China could extend beyond diplomatic issues. Reports indicate that Indian officials may raise concerns over restrictions affecting Indian companies seeking investment opportunities in China, as well as customs barriers affecting imports of high-technology products. These discussions could give the BRICS sidelines a direct economic dimension for India.
Economic and financial issues are expected to be another major focus. The expanded BRICS grouping is increasingly being watched for its position on global trade, alternative payment mechanisms, development finance and reforms to international institutions. At the same time, Russia has signalled that it is not seeking outright “de-dollarisation”, suggesting that differences remain within the bloc over how far monetary and financial cooperation should go.
The summit is already having a visible impact on Delhi. Hotels are reporting exceptionally high demand, while authorities are preparing traffic restrictions and diversions for the period surrounding the leaders’ movements. Delhi schools have also been directed to remain closed on September 11 because of the summit-related arrangements.
For India, the summit represents an opportunity to position BRICS as a platform for Global South cooperation rather than simply an anti-Western grouping. New Delhi is expected to push practical cooperation in areas such as resilient supply chains, infrastructure, technology, climate action, development finance and reform of global governance institutions.
With the summit only days away, the focus is now shifting from preparations to the diplomatic outcomes India can secure. The presence of leaders from the expanded BRICS grouping, particularly amid tensions over trade, technology, currencies and global governance, makes the New Delhi meeting one of India’s most closely watched international diplomatic events of 2026.
