Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in New Delhi and went straight into bilateral talks with PM Modi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. Trade, energy, and defence topped the agenda, with BrahMos missile upgrades, S-400 deliveries and Su-57 jets all reportedly on the table. Putin arrived with a high-level delegation, and the two leaders are expected to review decades of strategic partnership before world leaders gather at Bharat Mandapam this weekend.


BRICS Summit 2026: Putin's first BRICS summit outside Russia since Ukraine war began

BRICS Summit 2026: Will PM Modi and president Putin discuss BrahMos missile upgrade?

BBRICS Summit 2026: Modi-Putin hold bilateral talks in Delhi ahead of 18th BRICS summit 

India’s BRICS presidency is putting resilience and innovation at the heart of the 2026 summit agenda. The focus is on strengthening economic cooperation, driving innovation and building a more resilient Global South amid growing global challenges.

Iran-China Trade: Global leaders arrive for BRICS summit 

India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, bringing together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries. With India holding the 2026 BRICS chairship, the summit will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability as the expanded bloc seeks a bigger role in the global order.


BRICS Summit 2026: India to host 18th BRICS Summit on Sept 12 & 13 in New Delhi

Can BRICS emerge as a genuine counterweight to the West?

As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the expanded grouping is attracting fresh attention as the global balance of power undergoes major changes. China, Russia, India and other BRICS members are pushing for greater cooperation across trade, finance, technology and the wider Global South.

The bloc has also discussed local-currency trade and alternative payment mechanisms, raising questions about the long-term dominance of Western-led financial systems. But BRICS is far from a unified anti-Western alliance. India continues to maintain strategic partnerships with the United States and other Western powers, while differences between BRICS members could make deeper coordination difficult.

With Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other leaders expected in New Delhi, the 2026 summit could reveal how far BRICS can actually go in reshaping the global power equation.

Can BRICS become a true counterweight to the West — or will its internal divisions limit its ambitions?

 Can Brics Emerge as a Counterweight to the West? 

India’s the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi puts India-China ties under the spotlight. With strategic competition and tensions still shaping the relationship, the summit could offer Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping a crucial opportunity to reset ties and reshape the balance within BRICS.

BRICS Summit 2026: China confirms Xi Jinping will attend BRICS in New Delhi

Brazil was one of the original architects of BRICS. But its role in the grouping has evolved as BRICS has expanded from five countries to an 11-member bloc. It is Latin America's largest economy, a global agricultural power, a major resource holder and one of the strongest diplomatic voices of the Global South. But as BRICS becomes larger and more geopolitically divided, a new question is emerging. Can Brazil use its position to keep BRICS balanced between economic cooperation and geopolitical confrontation? Take a look at this next report for more.

BRICS summit 2026: Brazil's BRICS significance goes beyond economic size

India is making final preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026. Described by MEA officials as a massive logistical operation, the summit concludes a year-long chairship comprising over 350 meetings under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability". With around 1,300 domestic and foreign journalists expected at the International Media Centre, the government has declared a holiday on Friday, 11 September, to ensure smooth coordination and city operations.  


BRICS summit is a ‘large logistical exercise’, 1300 journalists expected, MEA official says

BRICS is pushing for a greater role in reshaping the global order, challenging Western dominance while expanding cooperation among emerging powers. As the bloc grows, can BRICS turn its growing economic and geopolitical weight into a stronger alternative to the existing international system?


Role of BRICS in re-balancing global order, can it expand scope of cooperation? 

BRICS summit 2026: Moscow New Delhi direct

A week before Xi Jinping is expected in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, India and China's militaries opened a new line of dialogue — the first-ever Corps Commander-level talks at the Wacha-Damai point in Arunachal Pradesh, led by Lt Gen Girish Kalia. The meeting comes amid reported tensions in Arunachal's Taksing area and follows an August 25 Beijing meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese FM Wang Yi on an eight-point border management plan.


India-China hold first-ever corps commander talks in Arunachal ahead of Xi's BRICS visit

Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory ahead of Sunday’s motorcade rehearsal for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly as security arrangements and traffic restrictions are put in place ahead of the September 11–13 summit.

BRICS Summit 2026: 35 roads to remain affected during motorcade rehearsal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, signalling India's efforts to strengthen ties with Dhaka through high-level diplomatic engagement and practical cooperation.

India invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit

The United Arab Emirates is aggressively pivoting away from its traditional Western military suppliers to secure India's flagship supersonic cruise missiles and advanced defense networks. To protect its iconic infrastructure from unprecedented modern threats, the UAE is suddenly betting its entire security strategy on Indian defense technology.

UAE Turns to India's BrahMos After Decades of Western Arms

Geopolitical security cooperation takes center stage as Prime Minister Narendra Modi confronts a high-level assembly of national security advisers and senior officials from BRICS member nations. Leveraging India's influential BRICS Chairmanship, PM Modi spearheads a decisive push to pivot the alliance toward practical security frameworks, demanding an uncompromising, monolithic front to obliterate cross-border terror networks.

BRICS Security Summit: PM Modi Forces Unified Front Against Global Terrorism

Tensions flared at the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in New Delhi as Iran and the UAE exchanged sharp words over regional security issues. Tehran accused Abu Dhabi of playing a direct role in military aggression, bringing Middle East rivalries into a key diplomatic forum. The heated exchange highlighted growing geopolitical strains and underscored the challenges BRICS nations face in finding common ground on security and stability.


BRICS NSA Meet: Iran Accuses UAE Of Direct Role In Military Aggression

- Iran: U.S. to Release $12Bn in Frozen Funds
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- BRICS-NSA Meet: India Welcomes Iran-U.S. Agreement

BRICS-NSA Meet: India Welcomes Iran-US Agreement

- Iran: U.S. to Release $12Bn in Frozen Funds
- Pezeshkian: Need to Adhere to the Agreed Text of Deal
- Iran-U.S. Technical Talks End in Switzerland
- BRICS-NSA Meet: India Welcomes Iran-U.S. Agreement


US-Iran Talks: US to Release $12Bn in Frozen Funds

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu and Iranian Supreme National Security Council Deputy Secretary Nezamipour will be in New Delhi for the meeting of the BRICS NSAs on June 22-23, which will set the stage for the summit of BRICS leaders in India in September. The discussions will focus on non-traditional security threats and emerging global challenges facing BRICS nations.


India-China Ties: Ajit Doval Meets Wang Yi On BRICS Sidelines 

New Delhi: India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held “constructive and forward-looking” talks on Monday ahead of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi, with both sides noting progress towards “gradual normalisation” of ties.&nbsp;The meeting comes as India chairs BRICS this year ahead of a leaders’ summit in September. It marks the latest high-level contact between the two Asian giants, whose relations have been slowly recovering since the deadly border clashes in 2020 in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alan-greenspan-architect-of-modern-us-economy-and-fed-chair-under-4-presidents-dies-at-100-1782148833171">Alan Greenspan, architect of modern US economy and Fed chair under 4 presidents, dies at 100</a>&nbsp;According to the Indian side, the two top officials reviewed recent developments and highlighted steps towards stabilisation. “The NSA underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building of trust and better understanding between the two sides,” said an Indian readout.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vance-says-iran-has-agreed-to-resume-iaea-nuclear-inspections-probably-by-this-week-1782143460029">Vance says Iran has agreed to resume IAEA nuclear inspections, probably by ‘this week’</a>&nbsp;Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau and Beijing’s special representative on the India-China border, is attending the meet at the invitation of Mr Doval.&nbsp;The meet is part of the broad contours of a pragmatic thaw that began accelerating after a 2024 border agreement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/cred-founder-kunal-shah-becomes-global-ceo-of-whatsapp-meta-invests-900-million-in-fintech-startup-1782137297377">CRED founder Kunal Shah becomes global CEO of WhatsApp as Meta invests $900 million in startup</a>&nbsp;Since then, the two countries have resumed direct flights, eased some visa restrictions, restarted the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage, and taken incremental steps on trade and investment. Bilateral trade hit record levels in 2025, though India continues to grapple with a large deficit.&nbsp;The meeting is seen as preparation for potential higher-level engagements, including a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India later this year for the BRICS summit.

Chinese FM Wang Yii, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau and Beijing’s special representative on the India-China border, is attending the meet at the invitation of India’s NSA Ajit Doval. The meet is part of a pragmatic thaw that started after 2024.

New Delhi: India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held “constructive and forward-looking” talks on Monday ahead of the BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting in New Delhi, with both sides noting progress towards “gradual normalisation” of ties. The meeting comes as India chairs BRICS this year ahead of a leaders’ summit in September. It marks the latest high-level contact between the two Asian giants, whose relations have been slowly recovering since the deadly border clashes in 2020 in eastern Ladakh. Also Read: Alan Greenspan, architect of modern US economy and Fed chair under 4 presidents, dies at 100 According to the Indian side, the two top officials reviewed recent developments and highlighted steps towards stabilisation. “The NSA underlined that stable, predictable and constructive bilateral relations contribute to building of trust and better understanding between the two sides,” said an Indian readout. Also Read: Vance says Iran has agreed to resume IAEA nuclear inspections, probably by ‘this week’ Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau and Beijing’s special representative on the India-China border, is attending the meet at the invitation of Mr Doval. The meet is part of the broad contours of a pragmatic thaw that began accelerating after a 2024 border agreement. Also Read: CRED founder Kunal Shah becomes global CEO of WhatsApp as Meta invests $900 million in startup Since then, the two countries have resumed direct flights, eased some visa restrictions, restarted the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage, and taken incremental steps on trade and investment. Bilateral trade hit record levels in 2025, though India continues to grapple with a large deficit. The meeting is seen as preparation for potential higher-level engagements, including a possible visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India later this year for the BRICS summit.

Chinese FM Wang Yii, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau and Beijing’s special representative on the India-China border, is attending the meet at the invitation of India’s NSA Ajit Doval. The meet is part of a pragmatic thaw that started after 2024.&nbsp;

NSA Doval to FM Wang Yi: Stable ties key to India-China understanding

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian NSA Sergei Shoigu and Iranian Supreme National Security Council Deputy Secretary Nezamipour will be in New Delhi for the meeting of the BRICS NSAs on June 22-23, which will set the stage for the summit of BRICS leaders in India in September. The discussions will focus on non-traditional security threats and emerging global challenges facing BRICS nations.

NSA Ajit Doval To Chair BRICS National Security Advisers' Meet In India

India Set To Host BRICS NSA Meet, Draws Top Security Chiefs 

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (May 14) stressed that New Delhi supports a two-state solution to the Palestine issue in his statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over the threat to maritime traffic and energy supply disruption due to tensions in the Gulf region. This comes as India holds the key meeting on May 14-15 in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, hosting foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and others.Speaking on the Israel-Palestine issue, the EAM said, “India supports a two-state solution where the Palestine issue is concerned.”Talking about the war in West Asia, Jaishankar said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation.”He also noted instability in countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. “Lebanon and Syria face continuing challenges. The conflict in Sudan imposes a heavy human cost. Yemen presents humanitarian concerns and maritime risks, while stability in Libya remains important,” he said.Jaishankar said that the crisis in these regions requires sustained international cooperation and diplomatic efforts.“Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,” he said. “It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure. India stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.”As the Iran-US conflict in West Asia continues to escalate, foreign ministers from BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day meeting. The meeting comes amid surging oil prices and increasing global economic instability caused by the conflict in the Gulf, which has stretched on for more than two months.Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with the bloc’s newly inducted members, are participating in the discussions. Among those attending is Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been deeply involved in Tehran’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Washington.During the meeting, Araghchi appealed to BRICS countries to denounce the United States and Israel, accusing both nations of carrying out what he termed “unlawful aggression” against Iran, according to AP. He also urged member states and the wider international community to take concrete measures to halt escalating tensions and address what he described as unchecked violations of the UN Charter.

At the BRICS meet in New Delhi, S. Jaishankar backed a two-state solution for Palestine and warned that Gulf tensions threaten energy supply and maritime security.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (May 14) stressed that New Delhi supports a two-state solution to the Palestine issue in his statement at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Jaishankar also expressed concerns over the threat to maritime traffic and energy supply disruption due to tensions in the Gulf region. This comes as India holds the key meeting on May 14-15 in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, hosting foreign ministers from Iran, Russia, and others. Speaking on the Israel-Palestine issue, the EAM said, “India supports a two-state solution where the Palestine issue is concerned.” Talking about the war in West Asia, Jaishankar said, “The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention. Continuing tensions, risks to maritime traffic, and disruptions to energy infrastructure highlight the fragility of the situation.” He also noted instability in countries including Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Libya. “Lebanon and Syria face continuing challenges. The conflict in Sudan imposes a heavy human cost. Yemen presents humanitarian concerns and maritime risks, while stability in Libya remains important,” he said. Jaishankar said that the crisis in these regions requires sustained international cooperation and diplomatic efforts. “Taken together, they underline a clear reality: stability cannot be selective, and peace cannot be piecemeal,” he said. “It is essential to uphold international law, protect civilians, and avoid targeting public infrastructure. India stands ready to contribute constructively to de-escalation efforts and to support initiatives aimed at restoring stability.” As the Iran-US conflict in West Asia continues to escalate, foreign ministers from BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi on Thursday for a two-day meeting. The meeting comes amid surging oil prices and increasing global economic instability caused by the conflict in the Gulf, which has stretched on for more than two months. Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with the bloc’s newly inducted members, are participating in the discussions. Among those attending is Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been deeply involved in Tehran’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Washington. During the meeting, Araghchi appealed to BRICS countries to denounce the United States and Israel, accusing both nations of carrying out what he termed “unlawful aggression” against Iran, according to AP. He also urged member states and the wider international community to take concrete measures to halt escalating tensions and address what he described as unchecked violations of the UN Charter.

At the BRICS meet in New Delhi, S. Jaishankar backed a two-state solution for Palestine and warned that Gulf tensions threaten energy supply and maritime security.

‘India supports two-state solution’: Indian EAM Jaishankar on Palestine, Iran war at BRICS meet

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday that political cooperation between India and Russia has become “even more valuable” in a volatile global environment, and the two sides can benefit from greater derisking and diversification.Jaishankar met Lavrov shortly after the latter arrived in New Delhi to attend a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting to be held during May 14–15.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hailing the steady and sustained growth in India and Russia’s bilateral partnership, Jaishankar said that the economic and energy dimensions have become more pronounced in the past few years.&nbsp;“Excellency, I warmly welcome you and your delegation to India for the BRICS foreign minister’s meeting. This is also an occasion to review our special and privileged strategic partnership and exchange views on global developments,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-to-consider-tariff-cuts-on-30-billion-of-imports-at-summit-1778691178492">Trump, Xi to consider tariff cuts on $30 billion of imports at summit</a>&nbsp;Jaishankar said, “Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment. We have expanded our collaboration in science and technology.”&nbsp;“Our two nations have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity. We also benefit through greater derisking and diversification,” he added.&nbsp;At the India-Russia summit last year, the two sides had agreed to step up economic cooperation and boost two-way trade to $100 billion by 2030.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lands-in-china-for-summit-with-xi-welcomed-with-red-carpet-and-fanfare-1778683205119">Trump lands in China for summit with Xi, welcomed with red carpet and fanfare</a>&nbsp;Jaishankar said in a social media post that his “productive exchange of views” with Lavrov touched on several aspects of the bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, technology, and facilitating the mobility of skills and talent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My opening remarks during meeting with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia. 🇮🇳 🇷🇺 <a href="https://t.co/HNz7neoQ1D">https://t.co/HNz7neoQ1D</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2054570974062985253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Cooperation at all levels is based on sustained structures, which is helpful for long-term planning and achieving results,” Lavrov said.Russia supports India’s priorities in the BRICS grouping, and cooperation between the two sides at the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and G20 is “becoming more important at a time when we have to find global answers to global problems,” he added. Jaishankar also met Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and discussed bilateral ties and regional and global issues. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunshots-heard-at-philippine-senate-people-told-to-run-for-cover-1778675576478">Gunshots heard at Philippine Senate, people told to run for cover</a> The complicated international situation also merits an open exchange of views, especially between two trusted partners, said Jaishankar, adding that the two nations have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity. New Delhi will turn into a focal point of international relations on May 14 and 15. India officially assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on January 1 this year, taking over from Brazil. BRICS, a group formed by eleven countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, serves as a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hailed the steady and sustained growth in India's and Russia’s bilateral partnership and said that the economic and energy dimensions have become more pronounced in the past few years.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday that political cooperation between India and Russia has become “even more valuable” in a volatile global environment, and the two sides can benefit from greater derisking and diversification. Jaishankar met Lavrov shortly after the latter arrived in New Delhi to attend a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting to be held during May 14–15. Hailing the steady and sustained growth in India and Russia’s bilateral partnership, Jaishankar said that the economic and energy dimensions have become more pronounced in the past few years. “Excellency, I warmly welcome you and your delegation to India for the BRICS foreign minister’s meeting. This is also an occasion to review our special and privileged strategic partnership and exchange views on global developments,” he said. Also Read: Trump, Xi to consider tariff cuts on $30 billion of imports at summit Jaishankar said, “Our political cooperation is even more valuable in an uncertain and volatile global environment. We have expanded our collaboration in science and technology.” “Our two nations have a shared interest in strengthening multipolarity. We also benefit through greater derisking and diversification,” he added. At the India-Russia summit last year, the two sides had agreed to step up economic cooperation and boost two-way trade to $100 billion by 2030. Also Read: Trump lands in China for summit with Xi, welcomed with red carpet and fanfare Jaishankar said in a social media post that his “productive exchange of views” with Lavrov touched on several aspects of the bilateral special and privileged strategic partnership, including trade, investment, energy, connectivity, technology, and facilitating the mobility of skills and talent.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hailed the steady and sustained growth in India's and Russia’s bilateral partnership and said that the economic and energy dimensions have become more pronounced in the past few years.

India-Russia cooperation ‘even more valuable’ amid volatile global environment: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi has become the centre of global diplomacy as BRICS foreign ministers gather for a crucial two-day meeting chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are among the key participants attending high-level talks on global conflicts, energy security, and multipolar cooperation. Delegations from Brazil and South Africa also join discussions, reflecting India’s rising role in shaping global diplomatic balance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.


BRICS 2026: Araghchi & Lavrov Arrive in New Delhi for High-Stakes BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have confirmed that they will be attending the meeting of BRICS Foreign Ministers in New Delhi on May 14-15, sources said Tuesday.

However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will not be at the meeting since he has to be in Beijing for the high-stakes talks between visiting US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, is likely to represent his country at the BRICS meeting.


Araghchi to Attend BRICS FM Meet, Lavrov Hails India-Russia Ties

South African minister Ronald Lamola has arrived in India ahead of the upcoming BRICS meeting, underlining the growing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Pretoria. Speaking to WION, Lamola said India-South Africa ties have gone “from strength to strength” across trade, diplomacy and global cooperation. His visit comes at a crucial time as BRICS nations prepare to discuss key geopolitical and economic challenges shaping the Global South.


South African Minister Ronald Lamola In India Ahead Of High-Stakes BRICS Meet 

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, has described India-South Africa relations as “deep historically” and “grown from strength to strength” ahead of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi. India is the chair of BRICS, &amp; will hold the foreign ministers' meet on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;“India is a big player in terms of technology, in terms of agriculture. It’s also one of our biggest trading partners in South Africa… India’s number one trading partner in Africa in terms of trade,” Lamola told WION's Sidhant Sibal.He detailed, India &amp; South Africa relationship “is deep historically, as you have already mentioned the role of Mahatma Gandhi and also the role of our former President Nelson Mandela… the relationship between South Africa and India has grown from strength to strength.”He highlighted the large Indian diaspora in South Africa and called for practical steps to deepen ties. “There is engagement under direct flight. So we are looking into that possibility. We are also looking for cooperation in AI technology. India has got the advanced skills… science and agriculture,” Lamola stated.&nbsp;“We want to deepen more on South African products… value-added products, but also Indian companies coming with their technology into our economy… in particular, on critical minerals.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-foreign-minister-arrives-in-delhi-for-brics-foreign-ministers-meeting-talks-to-be-held-with-eam-jaishankar-1778655812473">Iran's foreign minister arrives in Delhi today for BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, talks with EAM Jaishankar</a>With India hosting the India-Africa Summit in two weeks, Lamola said expectations are high. “Expectation is to continue to strengthen the relationship between India and the African continent… We want to see investment, value addition on the critical minerals… The African continent is a major partner, not only just as a consumer, but also in research and development.”At the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, Lamola said the grouping is focused on “resolution of conflicts through peaceful means” in the Middle East and Ukraine-Russia.&nbsp;On a common BRICS currency, he noted: “The talks have been more on the use of local currencies in trade. It is a process that is still ongoing… it can also enhance BRICS trade amongst the BRICS.”He remained hopeful of a joint statement on West Asia: “The engagements are ongoing on a draft statement, and I remain hopeful that they will be able to… arrive to a statement that must send a positive message to the BRICS partners, to the Global South.”Lamola stressed BRICS’ relevance in global governance. “When we come to the BRICS platform, we all look for common positions that must help the Global South because we need a unified voice to advocate for the reform of the Security Council, for example, of the United Nations,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;On slow-moving UN Security Council reform, he declared: “It is very slow. It is painfully moving… but we shall not lose hope. We must continue to work for reform… it is going to happen.”Turning to the United States, Lamola called the Trump era “unpredictable”. “Even with India, it is unpredictable. And even for us, it is an unpredictable environment. We deal with it as it comes,” he said.&nbsp;South Africa maintains broad engagement: “We have to… maintain our communication with the White House and… American society… think tanks, academia, business sector.”On G20, he criticised the US decision: “We are a founding member of G20… no one member of G20 can say another can no longer be a member of G20. What he has done is not to invite South Africa to the G20 summit… We really don’t know what will be that summit which does not have one of these founding members.”Lamola said South Africa expects India and other members to raise the exclusion issue. He also reaffirmed his commitment to IBSA and Indian Ocean cooperation on maritime security and counter-piracy.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised India-South Africa ties as historically deep and growing stronger ahead of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi. He highlighted cooperation in AI, trade, critical minerals and Global South representation.

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola, has described India-South Africa relations as “deep historically” and “grown from strength to strength” ahead of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi. India is the chair of BRICS, & will hold the foreign ministers' meet on Thursday and Friday. “India is a big player in terms of technology, in terms of agriculture. It’s also one of our biggest trading partners in South Africa… India’s number one trading partner in Africa in terms of trade,” Lamola told WION's Sidhant Sibal. He detailed, India & South Africa relationship “is deep historically, as you have already mentioned the role of Mahatma Gandhi and also the role of our former President Nelson Mandela… the relationship between South Africa and India has grown from strength to strength.” He highlighted the large Indian diaspora in South Africa and called for practical steps to deepen ties. “There is engagement under direct flight. So we are looking into that possibility. We are also looking for cooperation in AI technology. India has got the advanced skills… science and agriculture,” Lamola stated. “We want to deepen more on South African products… value-added products, but also Indian companies coming with their technology into our economy… in particular, on critical minerals.” Also Read: Iran's foreign minister arrives in Delhi today for BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, talks with EAM Jaishankar With India hosting the India-Africa Summit in two weeks, Lamola said expectations are high. “Expectation is to continue to strengthen the relationship between India and the African continent… We want to see investment, value addition on the critical minerals… The African continent is a major partner, not only just as a consumer, but also in research and development.” At the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting, Lamola said the grouping is focused on “resolution of conflicts through peaceful means” in the Middle East and Ukraine-Russia. On a common BRICS currency, he noted: “The talks have been more on the use of local currencies in trade. It is a process that is still ongoing… it can also enhance BRICS trade amongst the BRICS.” He remained hopeful of a joint statement on West Asia: “The engagements are ongoing on a draft statement, and I remain hopeful that they will be able to… arrive to a statement that must send a positive message to the BRICS partners, to the Global South.” Lamola stressed BRICS’ relevance in global governance. “When we come to the BRICS platform, we all look for common positions that must help the Global South because we need a unified voice to advocate for the reform of the Security Council, for example, of the United Nations,” he said. On slow-moving UN Security Council reform, he declared: “It is very slow. It is painfully moving… but we shall not lose hope. We must continue to work for reform… it is going to happen.” Turning to the United States, Lamola called the Trump era “unpredictable”. “Even with India, it is unpredictable. And even for us, it is an unpredictable environment. We deal with it as it comes,” he said. South Africa maintains broad engagement: “We have to… maintain our communication with the White House and… American society… think tanks, academia, business sector.” On G20, he criticised the US decision: “We are a founding member of G20… no one member of G20 can say another can no longer be a member of G20. What he has done is not to invite South Africa to the G20 summit… We really don’t know what will be that summit which does not have one of these founding members.” Lamola said South Africa expects India and other members to raise the exclusion issue. He also reaffirmed his commitment to IBSA and Indian Ocean cooperation on maritime security and counter-piracy.

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola praised India-South Africa ties as historically deep and growing stronger ahead of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Delhi. He highlighted cooperation in AI, trade, critical minerals and Global South representation.

India-South Africa relations have grown ‘from strength to strength’: South African FM Ronald Lamola ahead of BRICS meet

India is set to host a high-stakes BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia and growing global uncertainty. Sergey Lavrov is expected to attend the summit in person, while Seyed Abbas Araghchi is also likely to participate. However, reports suggest Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may skip the gathering, with Beijing instead sending its envoy to India. The BRICS meeting is expected to focus heavily on global security, multipolar diplomacy and the ongoing West Asia crisis.


BRICS 2026: China's Wang Yi To Miss BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting In India

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BRICS Summit 2026: Will PM Modi and president Putin discuss BrahMos missile upgrade?

BBRICS Summit 2026: Modi-Putin hold bilateral talks in Delhi ahead of 18th BRICS summit

Iran-China Trade: Global leaders arrive for BRICS summit

BRICS Summit 2026: India to host 18th BRICS Summit on Sept 12 & 13 in New Delhi

Can Brics Emerge as a Counterweight to the West?

BRICS Summit 2026: China confirms Xi Jinping will attend BRICS in New Delhi

BRICS summit 2026: Brazil's BRICS significance goes beyond economic size

BRICS summit is a ‘large logistical exercise’, 1300 journalists expected, MEA official says

Role of BRICS in re-balancing global order, can it expand scope of cooperation?

BRICS summit 2026: Moscow New Delhi direct

India-China hold first-ever corps commander talks in Arunachal ahead of Xi's BRICS visit

BRICS Summit 2026: 35 roads to remain affected during motorcade rehearsal

India invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to BRICS Summit

UAE Turns to India's BrahMos After Decades of Western Arms

BRICS Security Summit: PM Modi Forces Unified Front Against Global Terrorism

BRICS NSA Meet: Iran Accuses UAE Of Direct Role In Military Aggression

BRICS-NSA Meet: India Welcomes Iran-US Agreement

US-Iran Talks: US to Release $12Bn in Frozen Funds

India-China Ties: Ajit Doval Meets Wang Yi On BRICS Sidelines

NSA Doval to FM Wang Yi: Stable ties key to India-China understanding

NSA Ajit Doval To Chair BRICS National Security Advisers' Meet In India

India Set To Host BRICS NSA Meet, Draws Top Security Chiefs

‘India supports two-state solution’: Indian EAM Jaishankar on Palestine at BRICS

India-Russia ties ‘more valuable’ in volatile global environment: Jaishankar

BRICS 2026: Araghchi & Lavrov Arrive in New Delhi for High-Stakes BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting