BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE: Modi Calls for Global Governance Reform; Xi Says China Will Host 2027 Summit

The BRICS Summit 2026 is underway in New Delhi on September 12, with leaders from major emerging economies gathering at Bharat Mandapam for discussions on global governance, economic cooperation, technology, sustainability and geopolitical challenges.

India is hosting the summit under its 2026 BRICS presidency, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The gathering has brought together several prominent world leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

PM Modi Calls for Global Governance Reform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the opening session to push for reforms to international institutions, arguing that the global governance system needs to better reflect today's economic and geopolitical realities.

Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform, saying BRICS countries should work toward developing the proposals into a formal BRICS reform roadmap by the next summit.

He also called for reform of the United Nations Security Council, saying the issue could no longer be postponed.

“Reform of the UN Security Council can no longer be postponed,” Modi said, arguing that negotiations should have a definite timeframe and produce clear outcomes.

The prime minister also said voting rights, leadership positions and policy priorities at international financial institutions should correspond more closely with current economic realities.

Global South Should Become 'Rule-Shapers'

Modi also highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies and argued that developing countries should have a greater role in determining international rules.

He specifically pointed to artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, biotechnology and critical technologies as areas that will influence both future opportunities and global regulations.

The prime minister said BRICS should help transform the Global South from being primarily a group of “rule-takers” into “rule-shapers.”

He proposed providing young diplomats from developing countries with negotiation skills, practical training and legal expertise through BRICS.

Xi Jinping Arrives in New Delhi

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years.

Xi is expected to meet Modi on the sidelines of the summit as India and China continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations following years of military tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

The meeting comes as both countries seek to expand diplomatic engagement while addressing unresolved border concerns and economic differences.

Xi also announced that China will host the 19th BRICS Summit in 2027, taking over the BRICS chairmanship from India.

Putin Attacks G7 While Highlighting BRICS Strength

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a three-day visit and is participating in the summit in person.

Putin highlighted the economic and demographic weight of BRICS, saying its member countries account for more than half of the world's population and possess “dynamic, vibrant” domestic markets.

His visit is particularly significant as it marks his first in-person participation at a BRICS summit outside Russia since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

Putin is also scheduled to hold talks with Modi during his visit, with bilateral cooperation, trade and international geopolitical developments expected to feature in discussions.

Iran Rejects US Role in West Asia

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian used his BRICS engagements to reject the idea of the United States acting as a regional security guarantor in West Asia.

Pezeshkian said the region does not need a US “regional policeman” and argued that the security and territorial integrity of West Asia should be handled by countries in the region.

His comments come amid heightened tensions involving the United States, Iran and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

BRICS Leaders Gather in Delhi

The summit has attracted leaders and senior representatives from across the expanded BRICS grouping.

Among those attending are the leaders of China, Iran, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, Egypt, Malaysia, the UAE and Ethiopia, while Brazil is represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remains in Brazil.

The expanded BRICS grouping currently includes 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.

Together, the bloc represents a substantial share of the world's population and economy, giving the summit significance well beyond trade and investment discussions.

Tight Security Across New Delhi

The BRICS gathering has resulted in extensive security and traffic restrictions across the national capital.

Thousands of police and security personnel have been deployed around Bharat Mandapam and other important locations. Authorities have also installed hundreds of surveillance cameras and deployed anti-drone systems and specialised security teams.

Airspace restrictions have been imposed around New Delhi during the summit period, while traffic movement has been regulated on major routes connecting central Delhi with other parts of the city.

Authorities have advised residents and visitors to plan journeys in advance and use the Delhi Metro where possible.

What to Watch Next

The remaining BRICS discussions are expected to focus on global economic governance, trade, technology, energy security, climate-related challenges and greater cooperation among developing economies.

For India, the summit provides an opportunity to position BRICS as a stronger platform for the Global South while simultaneously advancing its own priorities on UN reform, international financial institutions and strategic autonomy.

The participation of Xi and Putin also gives New Delhi an important diplomatic opportunity to engage directly with two major powers at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty.

Key Takeaways

• BRICS Summit 2026 is being held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
• PM Modi has proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform.
• Modi called for time-bound reform of the UN Security Council.
• The prime minister urged the Global South to become rule-shapers in emerging technologies and global governance.
• Xi Jinping arrived in India after seven years and is expected to meet Modi.
• China will host the 2027 BRICS Summit.
• Vladimir Putin is attending the summit in person and is scheduled for bilateral talks with Modi.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised the idea of a US security role in West Asia.
• Extensive security and traffic restrictions are in place across New Delhi.

Why This Matters

The 2026 BRICS Summit is becoming an important test of how emerging powers want to reshape the global order. India's push for UN and financial-institution reform, China's upcoming BRICS presidency, Russia's emphasis on the bloc's economic weight and Iran's opposition to Western influence all underline the increasingly political significance of the grouping. The Modi-Xi and Modi-Putin meetings could also influence India's relations with two of its most important strategic partners.