BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE: The much-awaited BRICS Summit 2026 began on Saturday, September 12, with leaders from several influential countries gathering to discuss key global and regional issues. As the host nation, India is playing a central role in the summit, which is being closely watched by the United States, Europe and other major global powers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Modi also met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, with both leaders discussing bilateral ties and other matters of mutual interest. The Prime Minister is also expected to meet leaders from several other participating countries during the summit.
BRICS Summit 2026: Business Forum Held Before Leaders’ Meeting
Ahead of the main summit, the BRICS Business Forum was held on September 11. The event brought together representatives and business leaders from different countries to discuss economic and geopolitical developments affecting the BRICS grouping.
Among those who participated were Petr Sizov, Press Secretary of the Russian Embassy in India; Mahmoud Asad Samani of the Iran Insurers Syndicate; Alexander Kokov, Founder and CEO of Russia-based GSBI Ltd.; and Anindya Novanyan Bakri, CEO of the Bakri Group.
Discussions focused on the upcoming BRICS leaders’ sessions as well as the impact of instability around the Strait of Hormuz on the insurance sector. Rising risks for vessels travelling through the strategically important waterway have contributed to higher insurance premiums.
Petr Sizov described the business forum as an important event ahead of the main summit. Speaking about India-Russia relations, he highlighted growing trade between the two countries and an increase in bilateral agreements. He also noted that the latest meeting between Modi and Putin was their second interaction in roughly two weeks and said expectations for continued cooperation were high.
Mahmoud Asad Samani said heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased risks for ships operating in the region. According to him, the elevated risk environment has made higher insurance premiums necessary.
India-China Relations Show Signs of Improvement
The expected meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping has added another major focus to the BRICS Summit 2026.
On Friday, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said preparations were underway for a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. He noted that Modi and Xi are set to meet for the third consecutive year, following their previous meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.
The ambassador also said China is ready to work with India to implement the strategic direction agreed upon by the two leaders. Beijing wants bilateral relations to be viewed from a long-term and strategic perspective, while increasing dialogue and cooperation and appropriately managing differences.
The development is being seen as another indication of improving ties between India and China, with both sides seeking to strengthen their relationship while maintaining dialogue.
PM Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting With Vietnam PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two leaders reviewed progress in India-Vietnam relations and discussed developments since the partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The elevation took place during the visit of Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary and President To Lam to India in May 2026.
During Saturday’s meeting, Modi and Hung also exchanged views on important regional and international developments. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation and further strengthening the India-Vietnam partnership.
BRICS Summit 2026: Key Developments to Watch
The BRICS Summit 2026 is bringing several important diplomatic developments into focus. The planned Modi-Xi meeting, continuing India-Russia engagement and India’s discussions with Vietnam and other nations are expected to remain key highlights.
With India hosting the summit, developments from New Delhi could have significance for BRICS cooperation, global trade, regional security and relations among major emerging economies.