New Delhi BRICS Summit Opens as Modi Urges Global South Leadership

The opening session of the high-profile BRICS summit officially commenced on September 12, 2026, drawing international attention to the Indian capital of New Delhi. The gathering brings together key global figures, most notably Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who are all actively participating in the multi-day diplomatic events.

Amidst the extensive diplomatic engagements, the organizational scale of the broader summit framework has been notably vast. According to official figures released in connection with the event, more than 350 meetings have been organized to facilitate discussions among the participating nations and their respective delegations in New Delhi.

Addressing the inaugural session of the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a pointed address focusing on the geopolitical standing of developing nations. He formally called upon the developing countries of the Global South to step forward and secure a more proactive role in the establishment of international rules and regulatory frameworks.

Elaborating on this diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Modi emphasized a persistent structural imbalance within multilateral architecture. He explicitly stated during his address that the Global South remains positioned at the frontlines of various international institutions, yet continues to lag significantly behind when it comes to actual decision-making processes.

The high-level participation of leaders such as President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping alongside Prime Minister Modi underscores the strategic importance of this year's summit. As the sessions continue in New Delhi, the dialogue remains heavily focused on addressing the systemic disparities highlighted by the Indian leadership regarding global governance structures.