BRICS summit begins; New Delhi Declaration expected
What's the story
The 18th BRICS summit commenced in New Delhi on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming leaders of the 11-member bloc at Bharat Mandapam. The summit will discuss global governance, economic cooperation and geopolitical challenges. Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending the summit, his first visit to India in seven years.
Joint statement
Consensus reached after intense negotiations
A joint statement will be released by the BRICS countries after reaching a consensus through intense negotiations.
According to PTI, the talks continued till 4:00am with India playing a key role in bridging differences among members.
The consensus is especially important as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are part of the grouping despite regional and geopolitical issues.
Pre-summit meetings
PM Modi meets Iran, Russia, and UN leaders separately
Ahead of the summit, PM Modi held separate meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In his meeting with Pezeshkian, the two leaders discussed safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce.
Modi also discussed India's BRICS presidency and UN reforms with Guterres.
Security measures
Security arrangements in place across Delhi
Delhi has been turned into a security fortress with around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces deployed.
The security arrangements are especially tight around the diplomatic enclave and hotels where visiting leaders will stay.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also restricted certain flying activities across seven northern states during the summit.
Summit agenda
Summit to discuss geopolitical conflicts, global trade disruptions
The summit is India's fourth time hosting the BRICS meeting, having previously hosted it in 2012, 2016, and virtually in 2021.
The summit will address global governance, multilateralism, and trade and investment, among other issues.
It will also discuss major global and regional developments, including geopolitical conflicts and disruptions to global trade and energy routes.
The event will conclude with the New Delhi Declaration.