The 18th BRICS Summit 2026, hosted by India in New Delhi, began on Saturday, September 12, with leaders of the expanded nations of the group. The two-day meet will focus on global governance, multilateralism, strengthening resilience across critical sectors, trade, investment, technology, food and energy security, health, and disaster resilience.&nbsp;The summit, being held in Bharatmandapam, New Delhi, will end on Sunday (September 13) after the release of the New Delhi Declaration. Before leaders take part in an exhibition, a family photo and a tree-planting ceremony, the summit began with a closed-door meeting of BRICS member countries on Saturday.<h3>What will be the schedule for September 12 and September 13?</h3><h2>September 12</h2>2:35 PM: BRICS member-country leaders will take part in a closed-door session on "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism."&nbsp;4:25 PM: Leaders will tour the Bharat Innovates Exhibition.&nbsp;5:05 PM: Leaders will gather at Bharat Mandapam for the official family photograph, followed by a joint tree-planting ceremony.&nbsp;7:30 PM: PM Narendra Modi will host a gala dinner for all participating leaders.<h2>September 13</h2>9:55 AM: Leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations, and outreach invitees will begin arriving.&nbsp;10:35 AM: The official group photograph will be taken.&nbsp;10:50 AM: Leaders will attend the main open session, "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth," after which the summit will conclude with the release of the New Delhi Declaration.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-2026-begins-pm-modi-proposes-seafarers-emergency-support-network-1789205787124"> BRICS Summit: PM Modi calls for seafarer emergency support mechanism, asks bloc to give 10 proposals for global governance reform</a><h3>What's on the BRICS Summit 2026 agenda?</h3>At the centre of the BRICS agenda, India has placed resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with discussions covering several areas from food and energy security to global governance and emerging technologies. Food and energy security will be at the heart of discussions aimed at building greater resilience among member nations, with health and disaster-risk reduction also forming part of these resilience-focused talks. Economic cooperation will be another key area of focus at the summit, with India aiming to boost trade and investment among BRICS economies. Leaders are also likely to discuss connectivity and deeper cooperation in high-technology sectors.&nbsp;Strengthening and reforming multilateral institutions is expected to be a prominent theme at the summit as well. Additionally, BRICS leaders are likely to share their perspectives on major international and regional developments, along with issues of shared interest.

Before leaders take part in an exhibition, a family photo and a tree-planting ceremony, the summit began with a closed-door meeting of BRICS member countries on Saturday, with opening remarks by PM Modi.

The 18th BRICS Summit 2026, hosted by India in New Delhi, began on Saturday, September 12, with leaders of the expanded nations of the group. The two-day meet will focus on global governance, multilateralism, strengthening resilience across critical sectors, trade, investment, technology, food and energy security, health, and disaster resilience. The summit, being held in Bharatmandapam, New Delhi, will end on Sunday (September 13) after the release of the New Delhi Declaration. Before leaders take part in an exhibition, a family photo and a tree-planting ceremony, the summit began with a closed-door meeting of BRICS member countries on Saturday. What will be the schedule for September 12 and September 13? September 12 2:35 PM: BRICS member-country leaders will take part in a closed-door session on "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism." 4:25 PM: Leaders will tour the Bharat Innovates Exhibition. 5:05 PM: Leaders will gather at Bharat Mandapam for the official family photograph, followed by a joint tree-planting ceremony. 7:30 PM: PM Narendra Modi will host a gala dinner for all participating leaders. September 13 9:55 AM: Leaders from BRICS member countries, partner nations, and outreach invitees will begin arriving. 10:35 AM: The official group photograph will be taken. 10:50 AM: Leaders will attend the main open session, "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth," after which the summit will conclude with the release of the New Delhi Declaration. Also read: BRICS Summit: PM Modi calls for seafarer emergency support mechanism, asks bloc to give 10 proposals for global governance reform What's on the BRICS Summit 2026 agenda? At the centre of the BRICS agenda, India has placed resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, with discussions covering several areas from food and energy security to global governance and emerging technologies. Food and energy security will be at the heart of discussions aimed at building greater resilience among member nations, with health and disaster-risk reduction also forming part of these resilience-focused talks. Economic cooperation will be another key area of focus at the summit, with India aiming to boost trade and investment among BRICS economies. Leaders are also likely to discuss connectivity and deeper cooperation in high-technology sectors. Strengthening and reforming multilateral institutions is expected to be a prominent theme at the summit as well. Additionally, BRICS leaders are likely to share their perspectives on major international and regional developments, along with issues of shared interest.

Before leaders participate in an exhibition, a family photo and a tree-planting ceremony, the summit began with a closed-door meeting of BRICS member countries on Saturday, with opening remarks by PM Modi.

BRICS Summit 2026 full schedule: Day-wise agenda, timings and key issues - All you need to know

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday (September 12) to attend the 18th BRICS Summit 2026. After his arrival, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada welcomed him at the airport. In a post on social media platform X, the Ministry of External Affairs wrote, “Warm welcome to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. He was received by MoS @JitinPrasada at the airport. We look forward to constructive discussions as BRICS continues to advance cooperation and contribute to a more balanced, representative and multipolar world.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Warm welcome to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. He was received by MoS <a href="https://x.com/JitinPrasada?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JitinPrasada</a> at the airport. We look forward to constructive discussions as BRICS continues to advance cooperation and… <a href="https://t.co/pLYKBzS2V1">pic.twitter.com/pLYKBzS2V1</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2098673667123314904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

President Xi was also received with a warm welcome by a cultural troupe from the Northeast and other Indian states upon arrival. The cultural act included classical dance performances. The Chinese President Xi was accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, according to the Chinese news agency. India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The theme reflects India’s focus on strengthening existing achievements and institutional effectiveness. It places development, sustainability and innovation at the heart of the agenda. It also highlights the aspirations of the Global South. India seeks to reinforce BRICS as a constructive and solutions-oriented forum.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Iran FM describes PM Modi-Pezeshkian meeting as "strong"</h3>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Tehran is working to become a new member of BRICS' New Development Bank, adding that some countries have already voiced their support for this move. Araghchi, who is in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, described the bilateral meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "strong meeting."

The Chinese President Xi was accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday (September 12) to attend the 18th BRICS Summit 2026. After his arrival, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada welcomed him at the airport. In a post on social media platform X, the Ministry of External Affairs wrote, “Warm welcome to President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. He was received by MoS @JitinPrasada at the airport. We look forward to constructive discussions as BRICS continues to advance cooperation and contribute to a more balanced, representative and multipolar world.”

The Chinese President Xi was accompanied by Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

'A more balanced, multipolar world': India welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping for BRICS Summit

India is seeking to bridge differences among BRICS members as the expanded grouping prepares for its leaders’ summit in New Delhi, with officials saying negotiations are underway on a joint declaration despite disagreements within the bloc.&nbsp;Speaking at a dinner for journalists and content creators in New Delhi ahead of the summit, Randhir Jaiswal, additional secretary and spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi viewed all BRICS members as partners and wanted to strengthen cooperation across the grouping.&nbsp;“India is friends with all BRICS member countries. As friends, it is our intention to bring all our partners together,” Jaiswal said.&nbsp;Asked whether India had launched any specific initiative to narrow divisions among members, Jaiswal pointed to ongoing negotiations on the summit’s joint declaration.&nbsp;“You will have to wait for the joint statement,” he said. “The joint statement is being negotiated and there you will see how India brings everybody together.”&nbsp;Jaiswal said discussions were taking place collectively with all BRICS members but declined to identify countries involved in specific disagreements.&nbsp;India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 as the grouping adjusts to a more complex diplomatic landscape following its expansion to 11 members.&nbsp;During its 2026 chairmanship, India has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while emphasising development priorities and strengthening the voice of the Global South.&nbsp;Its economic agenda includes the proposed BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, measures to expand trade in services, strengthen resilient supply chains and improve financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-is-bangladesh-pm-coming-to-delhi-his-minister-says-1789043249767">BRICS Summit: Is Bangladesh PM coming to Delhi? His minister says...</a>&nbsp;However, the enlarged grouping includes countries with divergent geopolitical interests, complicating efforts to reach consensus on politically sensitive issues.&nbsp;One of the most visible divisions has emerged between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Around the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May, the UAE rejected Iranian allegations and defended its sovereignty and right to protect its national security, highlighting the challenges of formulating common positions among members with competing regional priorities.&nbsp;Differences also persist between India and China. Despite recent efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 border clashes, the two countries remain strategic rivals, with disagreements over security, technology and market access continuing to constrain cooperation.&nbsp;Another source of tension lies between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the use of Nile waters. The dispute remains one of the most persistent issues between the two countries.&nbsp;The matter gained fresh attention following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on Sept. 1-2. In a joint communiqué issued during the visit, China recognised Egypt’s “legitimate right” to protect its water security, food security and development interests.&nbsp;The two countries also called on Nile Basin states to comply with international law, including obligations related to preventing harm.&nbsp;While the communiqué stopped short of explicitly endorsing Egypt’s position against Ethiopia, the inclusion of Nile-related concerns in a high-level China-Egypt statement adds another dimension to discussions within BRICS, where China, Egypt and Ethiopia are all members.&nbsp;Differences also exist over the future economic direction of the bloc. Russia and China have supported greater use of national currencies and alternatives to the US dollar.&nbsp;

India is working to bridge differences among the expanded BRICS membership as negotiations continue on a joint declaration ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

India is seeking to bridge differences among BRICS members as the expanded grouping prepares for its leaders’ summit in New Delhi, with officials saying negotiations are underway on a joint declaration despite disagreements within the bloc. Speaking at a dinner for journalists and content creators in New Delhi ahead of the summit, Randhir Jaiswal, additional secretary and spokesperson at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi viewed all BRICS members as partners and wanted to strengthen cooperation across the grouping. “India is friends with all BRICS member countries. As friends, it is our intention to bring all our partners together,” Jaiswal said. Asked whether India had launched any specific initiative to narrow divisions among members, Jaiswal pointed to ongoing negotiations on the summit’s joint declaration. “You will have to wait for the joint statement,” he said. “The joint statement is being negotiated and there you will see how India brings everybody together.” Jaiswal said discussions were taking place collectively with all BRICS members but declined to identify countries involved in specific disagreements. India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on Sept. 12-13 as the grouping adjusts to a more complex diplomatic landscape following its expansion to 11 members. During its 2026 chairmanship, India has focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while emphasising development priorities and strengthening the voice of the Global South. Its economic agenda includes the proposed BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, measures to expand trade in services, strengthen resilient supply chains and improve financing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Also Read: BRICS Summit: Is Bangladesh PM coming to Delhi? His minister says... However, the enlarged grouping includes countries with divergent geopolitical interests, complicating efforts to reach consensus on politically sensitive issues. One of the most visible divisions has emerged between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Around the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May, the UAE rejected Iranian allegations and defended its sovereignty and right to protect its national security, highlighting the challenges of formulating common positions among members with competing regional priorities. Differences also persist between India and China. Despite recent efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 border clashes, the two countries remain strategic rivals, with disagreements over security, technology and market access continuing to constrain cooperation. Another source of tension lies between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the use of Nile waters. The dispute remains one of the most persistent issues between the two countries. The matter gained fresh attention following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on Sept. 1-2. In a joint communiqué issued during the visit, China recognised Egypt’s “legitimate right” to protect its water security, food security and development interests. The two countries also called on Nile Basin states to comply with international law, including obligations related to preventing harm. While the communiqué stopped short of explicitly endorsing Egypt’s position against Ethiopia, the inclusion of Nile-related concerns in a high-level China-Egypt statement adds another dimension to discussions within BRICS, where China, Egypt and Ethiopia are all members. Differences also exist over the future economic direction of the bloc. Russia and China have supported greater use of national currencies and alternatives to the US dollar.

India is working to bridge differences among the expanded BRICS membership as negotiations continue on a joint declaration ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

India seeks to bridge BRICS divisions ahead of New Delhi summit

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is scheduled to be held on September 12-13, with India as the Chair. The summit is expected to push for mechanisms to facilitate cross-border payments among members, including links between digital payment systems and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with the concept of de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy. This concept is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations are planning to reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. The idea enables all trading goods and energy to be paid for directly using national currencies (such as the Indian rupee, Russian ruble, or Chinese yuan) instead of converting through the dollar. Other key methods of this concept include developing independent messaging and payment systems, like proposed blockchain platforms or the BRICS Bridge, to bypass Western-dominated networks like SWIFT. In addition, the method has come up with the concept of lending through institutions like the BRICS New Development Bank to expand local currency use.<h3>Why does BRICS focus on this shift?</h3>BRICS nations have been planning the concept to shield member economies from the influence of Western financial restrictions and asset freezes, especially highlighted after sanctions on Russia. The main focus was to gain economic sovereignty by lowering vulnerability to US monetary policy shifts, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. Other aims also include cutting transaction fees linked to constant conversion into US dollars for cross-border commerce. The 2025 BRICS leaders’ and ministerial statements situate these efforts within a broader project of strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming global governance structures.<h3>New Development Bank's role</h3>The New Development Bank stands as BRICS' clearest institutional vehicle for de-dollarisation. Its legal framework permits local-currency financing, with the 2022–2026 General Strategy targeting 30 per cent of commitments in members' national currencies, market conditions permitting. The Bank's annual report underscored that such lending reduces exchange-rate and interest-rate exposure. This matters for three reasons: it aligns financing with domestic revenue, minimising currency mismatch; it strengthens local capital markets by encouraging domestic-currency funding; and it offers BRICS a credible institutional pathway toward gradual diversification. Official BRICS statements consistently back this approach; April 2025's Foreign Ministers' statement stressed "continuously expanding local currency financing and strengthening innovation in investment and financing tools.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-xi-putin-meet-happen-what-russian-deputy-fm-said-on-possible-trilateral-1788690532552">Will Trump-Xi-Putin meet happen? What Russian Deputy FM said on possible trilateral</a><h3>How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS Could Link Up to Bypass SWIFT?</h3>To counter the dollar, the BRICS bloc is also developing BRICS Pay and alternative financial messaging systems in order to reduce its economic dependence on the Western-dominated SWIFT network. The bloc aims to interlink four national payment systems that include Russia's SPFS, China's CIPS, India's UPI, and Brazil's Pix, to enable direct, low-cost cross-border transfers without routing through SWIFT. Reports suggest that no fully unified BRICS payment system exists yet; SPFS and CIPS currently serve as SWIFT's main alternatives. A prototype was demonstrated in Moscow in October 2024, envisioned as an open-source, decentralised messaging system capable of handling high transaction volumes. However, interoperability between these platforms is still in the initial stage, with significant hurdles around message standardisation, security protocols, and differing national regulatory frameworks still unresolved. So, the proposed digital cross-border payments platform interlinks national payment systems instead of relying on a single dominant currency or Western infrastructure. It comes with a goal to settle cross-border trade using native local currencies, bypassing the US dollar and mitigating the risk of Western sanctions. It was proposed to turn down the dollar dominance, as the US dollar and SWIFT still command the vast majority of global trade settlements. Basically, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a secure messaging network used by more than 11,000 banks worldwide to facilitate international wire transfers. It is controlled largely by G-10 central banks.

The de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. 

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi is scheduled to be held on September 12-13, with India as the Chair. The summit is expected to push for mechanisms to facilitate cross-border payments among members, including links between digital payment systems and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with the concept of de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy. This concept is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations are planning to reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves. The idea enables all trading goods and energy to be paid for directly using national currencies (such as the Indian rupee, Russian ruble, or Chinese yuan) instead of converting through the dollar. Other key methods of this concept include developing independent messaging and payment systems, like proposed blockchain platforms or the BRICS Bridge, to bypass Western-dominated networks like SWIFT. In addition, the method has come up with the concept of lending through institutions like the BRICS New Development Bank to expand local currency use. Why does BRICS focus on this shift? BRICS nations have been planning the concept to shield member economies from the influence of Western financial restrictions and asset freezes, especially highlighted after sanctions on Russia. The main focus was to gain economic sovereignty by lowering vulnerability to US monetary policy shifts, inflation, and exchange rate volatility. Other aims also include cutting transaction fees linked to constant conversion into US dollars for cross-border commerce. The 2025 BRICS leaders’ and ministerial statements situate these efforts within a broader project of strengthening Global South cooperation and reforming global governance structures. New Development Bank's role The New Development Bank stands as BRICS' clearest institutional vehicle for de-dollarisation. Its legal framework permits local-currency financing, with the 2022–2026 General Strategy targeting 30 per cent of commitments in members' national currencies, market conditions permitting. The Bank's annual report underscored that such lending reduces exchange-rate and interest-rate exposure. This matters for three reasons: it aligns financing with domestic revenue, minimising currency mismatch; it strengthens local capital markets by encouraging domestic-currency funding; and it offers BRICS a credible institutional pathway toward gradual diversification. Official BRICS statements consistently back this approach; April 2025's Foreign Ministers' statement stressed "continuously expanding local currency financing and strengthening innovation in investment and financing tools. Also read: Will Trump-Xi-Putin meet happen? What Russian Deputy FM said on possible trilateral How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS Could Link Up to Bypass SWIFT? To counter the dollar, the BRICS bloc is also developing BRICS Pay and alternative financial messaging systems in order to reduce its economic dependence on the Western-dominated SWIFT network. The bloc aims to interlink four national payment systems that include Russia's SPFS, China's CIPS, India's UPI, and Brazil's Pix, to enable direct, low-cost cross-border transfers without routing through SWIFT. Reports suggest that no fully unified BRICS payment system exists yet; SPFS and CIPS currently serve as SWIFT's main alternatives. A prototype was demonstrated in Moscow in October 2024, envisioned as an open-source, decentralised messaging system capable of handling high transaction volumes. However, interoperability between these platforms is still in the initial stage, with significant hurdles around message standardisation, security protocols, and differing national regulatory frameworks still unresolved. So, the proposed digital cross-border payments platform interlinks national payment systems instead of relying on a single dominant currency or Western infrastructure. It comes with a goal to settle cross-border trade using native local currencies, bypassing the US dollar and mitigating the risk of Western sanctions. It was proposed to turn down the dollar dominance, as the US dollar and SWIFT still command the vast majority of global trade settlements. Basically, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a secure messaging network used by more than 11,000 banks worldwide to facilitate international wire transfers. It is controlled largely by G-10 central banks.

The de-dollarisation of the BRICS economy is the ongoing, gradual process by which member nations reduce their dependence on the US dollar for international trade, investment, and foreign exchange reserves.&nbsp;

De-dollarisation question of the BRICS economy: How UPI, CIPS, Pix and SPFS could link up to bypass SWIFT? EXPLAIND

Sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices managing a combined $1 trillion will meet in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 to discuss cross-border investments, non-dollar settlements and payment systems among BRICS economies.&nbsp;India will host the 18th BRICS Summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. More than 500 institutional investors, finance ministers and business leaders are expected to attend the first iBRICS Summit 2026 at The Oberoi in New Delhi.&nbsp;According to a press release from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), the event will connect sovereign investors with infrastructure, energy and digital projects across the 21 BRICS member states and partner nations.&nbsp;The meeting comes as BRICS economies deal with changing trade patterns, US tariff pressures and rising costs linked to dollar-based transactions.&nbsp;Around 250 participants will take part in a closed-door roundtable on non-dollar settlement corridors and investment targets. Separate meetings will look at possible projects in infrastructure, technology, critical minerals and energy transition.&nbsp;The event will also see the signing of a proposed “Sovereign Capital Compact” on September 12. However, the release did not provide details about the value of possible investments or name specific projects that could receive funding.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-escalation-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-targeting-sbu-chief-s-office-1788544438564">‘Major escalation’: Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting SBU chief’s office</a><h2>Focus on independent financial systems</h2>Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman of SWFI and Lead Co-Chair of iBRICS, said: "For twenty years, cross-border investments within BRICS were discussed politically and executed bilaterally through outside intermediaries. With tariffs and sanctions stressing traditional corridors, funds and ministries need direct access to allocate capital differently. We are providing that dedicated venue alongside the Leaders' Summit.”&nbsp;The meeting will also focus on efforts to strengthen financial links between BRICS countries. Following Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra's confirmation of the BRICS payments task force, the summit will hold sessions on connecting fast-payment systems such as UPI and Pix with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).&nbsp;Dushyant Khanna, Co-Chair of iBRICS New Delhi 2026, said: "BRICS countries hold a massive share of world reserves and are building the rails to move capital independently. The missing link has been matching that capital directly with bankable projects. September 12 is where project owners and global allocators sit down to make that match."&nbsp;The iBRICS is an annual sovereign investment and deal summit organised by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute alongside the BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The 2026 event will be its first edition.&nbsp;Thirty-two days after the New Delhi event, SWFI will hold I-20 Investment Week in Dallas, Texas, during the United States’ G20 host year.

More than 500 investors, finance ministers and business leaders managing around $1 trillion in capital will gather in New Delhi for the first iBRICS Summit to discuss cross-border investments, non-dollar settlements and new payment systems across BRICS economies.

Sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices managing a combined $1 trillion will meet in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 to discuss cross-border investments, non-dollar settlements and payment systems among BRICS economies. India will host the 18th BRICS Summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. More than 500 institutional investors, finance ministers and business leaders are expected to attend the first iBRICS Summit 2026 at The Oberoi in New Delhi. According to a press release from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), the event will connect sovereign investors with infrastructure, energy and digital projects across the 21 BRICS member states and partner nations. The meeting comes as BRICS economies deal with changing trade patterns, US tariff pressures and rising costs linked to dollar-based transactions. Around 250 participants will take part in a closed-door roundtable on non-dollar settlement corridors and investment targets. Separate meetings will look at possible projects in infrastructure, technology, critical minerals and energy transition. The event will also see the signing of a proposed “Sovereign Capital Compact” on September 12. However, the release did not provide details about the value of possible investments or name specific projects that could receive funding. Also Read: ‘Major escalation’: Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting SBU chief’s office Focus on independent financial systems Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman of SWFI and Lead Co-Chair of iBRICS, said: "For twenty years, cross-border investments within BRICS were discussed politically and executed bilaterally through outside intermediaries. With tariffs and sanctions stressing traditional corridors, funds and ministries need direct access to allocate capital differently. We are providing that dedicated venue alongside the Leaders' Summit.” The meeting will also focus on efforts to strengthen financial links between BRICS countries. Following Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra's confirmation of the BRICS payments task force, the summit will hold sessions on connecting fast-payment systems such as UPI and Pix with Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Dushyant Khanna, Co-Chair of iBRICS New Delhi 2026, said: "BRICS countries hold a massive share of world reserves and are building the rails to move capital independently. The missing link has been matching that capital directly with bankable projects. September 12 is where project owners and global allocators sit down to make that match." The iBRICS is an annual sovereign investment and deal summit organised by the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute alongside the BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The 2026 event will be its first edition. Thirty-two days after the New Delhi event, SWFI will hold I-20 Investment Week in Dallas, Texas, during the United States’ G20 host year.

More than 500 investors, finance ministers and business leaders managing around $1 trillion in capital will gather in New Delhi for the first iBRICS Summit to discuss cross-border investments, non-dollar settlements and new payment systems across BRICS economies.

BRICS 2026: $1 trillion sovereign capital set to converge in Delhi for first iBRICS Summit

Central government offices located in Delhi will remain closed on September 11 as the national capital gears up to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. According to an official memorandum issued on Thursday (Sep 3) by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, all Central government offices in the vicinity of Delhi and New Delhi will remain shut given the scale and arrangement requirements for the high-level summit.The closure will apply on Friday, September 11. The BRICS Business Forum and the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit are set to be held between September 11 and September 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit is expected to be attended by several world leaders from about 30 BRICS member and partner nations. Heads of international organisations and business representatives from BRICS countries are also expected to be present at the meetings.“Recognising the magnitude of this event, the substantial logistical arrangements involved, and to minimise inconvenience to the general public, it has been decided to keep the Central Government offices located in Delhi/New Delhi closed on Friday, the 11th of September 2026 (12th and 13th of September 2026 being Saturday and Sunday respectively),” the order read.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi LG has declared a holiday on 11th September 2026 in view of BRICS Summit <a href="https://t.co/aaJKS9wWvp">pic.twitter.com/aaJKS9wWvp</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2095466324957004102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>India hosts 18th BRICS Summit</h2>This year, India assumed the chairship of the BRICS, an intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical bloc made up of major emerging market economies. India is one of the founding members of the grouping, which was formalised in 2006, along with Russia, China and Brazil. The group was initially called BRIC, but was later renamed to BRICS after South Africa joined the bloc in 2010. The group now has 11 full member countries and 10 official partner nations.Since India assumed the chairmanship on January 1, 2026, over 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already been held in more than 25 cities. The year 2026 also marks 20 years since BRICS was established. BRICS engagements focus on political and security cooperation, economic and financial ties, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.This year’s theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, which will focus on a people-centric approach guided by the principle of “Humanity First.”&nbsp;

Central government offices in Delhi will remain closed on September 11 as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, with leaders from around 30 member and partner nations expected.

Central government offices located in Delhi will remain closed on September 11 as the national capital gears up to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. According to an official memorandum issued on Thursday (Sep 3) by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, all Central government offices in the vicinity of Delhi and New Delhi will remain shut given the scale and arrangement requirements for the high-level summit. The closure will apply on Friday, September 11. The BRICS Business Forum and the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit are set to be held between September 11 and September 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit is expected to be attended by several world leaders from about 30 BRICS member and partner nations. Heads of international organisations and business representatives from BRICS countries are also expected to be present at the meetings. “Recognising the magnitude of this event, the substantial logistical arrangements involved, and to minimise inconvenience to the general public, it has been decided to keep the Central Government offices located in Delhi/New Delhi closed on Friday, the 11th of September 2026 (12th and 13th of September 2026 being Saturday and Sunday respectively),” the order read.

Central government offices in Delhi will remain closed on September 11 as India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, with leaders from around 30 member and partner nations expected.

Delhi Central govt offices to remain shut on Sep 11 as India hosts BRICS Summit – All you need to know

The 11-member bloc, representing 40 per cent of global GDP, will discuss trade, de-dollarisation, tech and governance reform, with NDB having approved $42.9 billion for 139 projects in 18th BRICS Summit in 2026 .

The 11-member bloc, representing 40 per cent of global GDP, will discuss trade, de-dollarisation, tech and governance reform, with NDB having approved $42.9 billion for 139 projects in 18th BRICS Summit in 2026 .

BRICS by numbers: Global GDP share, trade share, intra-BRICS settlement volumes and NDB disbursements — All you need to know

As India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the world leaders expected to attend the event. The summit, hosted by India after five years, comes at a time of amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe. The leaders from the grouping nation, which stretches across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, are expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from across the bloc. The other heads of state set to visit New Delhi for the summit include South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa, Belarus' president Alexander Lukashenko, Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Indonesia's president Prabowo Subianto. In addition, Prime Ministers Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand, and Abiy Ahmad, respectively, are expected to join the summit, while Cuba, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are likely to be represented by their presidents, Miguel Diaz-Canel, Bola Tinubu, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Brazil, one of the bloc's founding members, is unlikely to see President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attend in person due to conflicting commitments at home, with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expected to represent the country instead. Other stand-ins reportedly under consideration include Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who would attend in place of his father, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit, hosted by India, runs from September 12-13.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-45-7-million-deal-to-buy-us-javelin-anti-tank-missiles-for-army-more-details-inside-1787909729092">India signs $45.7 million deal to buy US Javelin anti-tank missiles for army: More details inside</a><h3>Xi Jinping to visit with 400 officials</h3>Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive with a sizeable delegation, reportedly more than double the Chinese contingent that travelled with him on his last India visit in 2019. Multiple reports indicate Xi's delegation could number around 400 officials, compared to fewer than 200 in 2019. The trip would mark Xi's first visit to India in seven years, coming as both nations work to ease years of border-related tension. Details of his final itinerary, along with the agenda for any potential one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have yet to be confirmed. The Chinese foreign ministry said, “China attaches great importance to and actively participates in BRICS cooperation, and supports India, the current chair, in successfully hosting this year's BRICS summit.”

The leaders from the grouping nation, which stretches across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, are expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from across the bloc.

As India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the world leaders expected to attend the event. The summit, hosted by India after five years, comes at a time of amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe. The leaders from the grouping nation, which stretches across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, are expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from across the bloc. The other heads of state set to visit New Delhi for the summit include South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa, Belarus' president Alexander Lukashenko, Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Indonesia's president Prabowo Subianto. In addition, Prime Ministers Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand, and Abiy Ahmad, respectively, are expected to join the summit, while Cuba, Nigeria, and Uzbekistan are likely to be represented by their presidents, Miguel Diaz-Canel, Bola Tinubu, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Brazil, one of the bloc's founding members, is unlikely to see President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva attend in person due to conflicting commitments at home, with Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira expected to represent the country instead. Other stand-ins reportedly under consideration include Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who would attend in place of his father, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit, hosted by India, runs from September 12-13. Also read: India signs $45.7 million deal to buy US Javelin anti-tank missiles for army: More details inside Xi Jinping to visit with 400 officials Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive with a sizeable delegation, reportedly more than double the Chinese contingent that travelled with him on his last India visit in 2019. Multiple reports indicate Xi's delegation could number around 400 officials, compared to fewer than 200 in 2019. The trip would mark Xi's first visit to India in seven years, coming as both nations work to ease years of border-related tension. Details of his final itinerary, along with the agenda for any potential one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have yet to be confirmed. The Chinese foreign ministry said, “China attaches great importance to and actively participates in BRICS cooperation, and supports India, the current chair, in successfully hosting this year's BRICS summit.”

The leaders from the grouping nation, which stretches across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, are expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from across the bloc.

From Xi's 400 officials to Putin: Full list of world leaders attending BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi

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Full list of world leaders attending BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi