Economic and trade issues are expected to feature prominently in both meetings, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is also scheduled to meet Modi on the sidelines of the two-day summit.
Xi’s visit is particularly significant as it marks his first trip to India in six years. Relations between the two Asian powers have gradually improved since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, with direct flights, visa services and high-level exchanges progressively resuming.
Putin has already arrived in New Delhi for the summit of the expanded 11-member grouping. The gathering is expected to highlight differences among members over the major conflicts while also testing their ability to deepen economic cooperation and press for greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers.
Founded in 2009 as a forum for major emerging economies, BRICS now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The grouping has expanded considerably even as its members hold widely divergent positions on the wars involving Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Iran.
As the 2026 chair, India is hosting BRICS member states, partner countries and invited outreach participants at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
🚨BREAKING NEWS
Vladimie Putin arrives in New Delhi for the BRICS summit.🇷🇺🇮🇳
▪️ Presidential aide Ushakov announced earlier today that Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to India from September 11 to 13.
▪️ On the sidelines of the BRICS summit in India, the President will… pic.twitter.com/YgGuD6O6ru— Aleksey The Great 🇷🇺🎖 (@aleksthgrt) September 11, 2026
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The Ministry of External Affairs said leaders would discuss ways to strengthen cooperation within BRICS as well as regional and international issues of common concern. Modi, in a post on X, said he looked forward to “positive and meaningful discussions” focused on global welfare.
Besides Putin, Xi and Pezeshkian, the summit is expected to be attended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Brazil is expected to be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, while the UAE delegation will be led by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is also expected to participate.
The summit begins Friday with an inaugural session followed by thematic discussions. Saturday’s programme includes a closed-door session on inclusive global governance, a leaders’ family photograph, a tree-planting ceremony and a gala dinner hosted by Modi.
Sunday’s open session, involving BRICS partner countries and other invitees, will focus on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Security has been tightened across the capital ahead of the high-profile gathering. Around 15,000 police personnel, paramilitary units and hundreds of CCTV cameras have been deployed around airports, hotels and the summit venue.
Traffic restrictions are expected along routes used by VVIP convoys, although Delhi Police have said the city will not be completely shut down. Temporary diversions and stoppages are likely on several major corridors during the movement of visiting leaders.
