PM Modi Welcomes BRICS Leaders at Bharat Mandapam

Why This Summit Carries Extra Significance

This year's gathering arrives at a symbolically important moment for the grouping, coinciding with 20 years since BRICS's establishment. For India, hosting a milestone-anniversary summit while also marking its fourth chairship term, following earlier stints in 2012, 2016 and 2021, adds a layer of significance beyond the summit's regular agenda, positioning India as a country with a sustained, recurring leadership role within the bloc rather than a one-time host.

What the Leaders Will Discuss

Beyond the ceremonial welcome, the leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation on shared priorities, while also exchanging views on global and regional issues of mutual interest. The summit's substantive engagement begins with a closed session exclusively for BRICS member countries, titled "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism," a topic that reflects the grouping's continued emphasis on reforming global institutions to better represent emerging economies.

BRICS's Expanded Membership

The BRICS grouping currently comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates as full members, alongside ten partner countries: Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. This expanded structure reflects the bloc's significant growth since its founding as a smaller group of major emerging economies two decades ago.

A Packed Schedule Beyond the Formal Sessions

Later in the day, BRICS leaders are scheduled to visit the "Bharat Innovates Exhibition," followed by a formal family photograph and a tree plantation ceremony, activities that are typically used at such summits to project shared symbolic commitments alongside the more substantive closed-door discussions. The day's proceedings are set to conclude with a dinner hosted by PM Modi for the visiting heads of state and government.

A Founding Member's Recurring Leadership Role

As a founding member of BRICS, India's decision to use this year's chairship, its fourth overall, to mark the bloc's 20th anniversary underscores the country's long-standing and continuing involvement in shaping the grouping's direction, from its original five-nation composition to its now significantly expanded membership spanning multiple continents.