India is preparing to host the annual BRICS summit this September, a significant event as the nation holds the chairmanship this year. The summit, scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi, will feature the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking a notable diplomatic engagement amid ongoing global developments.
A Kremlin aide confirmed President Putin’s attendance, saying, “President Putin will take part in the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.” This announcement underscores the importance of the summit as a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies. During the event, a bilateral meeting between President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also planned, further emphasizing the summit’s role in fostering international relations.
This visit will be President Putin’s first to India since December 2025, when he attended the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Earlier this month, the groundwork for the upcoming discussions was laid by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who participated in a two-day BRICS member conclave in New Delhi, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic engagements between the member states.
Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS grouping expanded in recent years to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates in 2024, with Indonesia joining in 2025. This expansion highlights BRICS’ growing influence as a global platform, now representing 11 leading emerging economies. Collectively, these nations account for nearly 49.5% of the world’s population, about 40% of global GDP, and approximately 26% of global trade.
The summit in New Delhi is set to be a pivotal moment for BRICS, offering an opportunity for these nations to address shared challenges and explore collaborative strategies for sustainable development. As the host, India plays a crucial role in shaping the agenda and outcomes of this significant international gathering.