India is preparing to host a major gathering of global leaders as the BRICS Summit returns to New Delhiwith Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian among those expected to attend, according to government sources cited by NDTV.
The summit comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment, with conflicts in Europe and the Middle East continuing to influence international relations. As BRICS has expanded across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, the New Delhi meeting is expected to bring together leaders from a much broader group of countries.
BRICS Summit 2026: Which World Leaders Are Expected in Delhi?
Several prominent leaders are expected to travel to India for the summit.
The anticipated list includes:
- Vladimir Putin – Russia
- Xi Jinping – China
- Masoud Pezeshkian – Iran
- Cyril Ramaphosa – South Africa
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi – Egypt
- Alexander Lukashenko – Belarus
- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev – Kazakhstan
- Prabowo Subianto – Indonesia
Prime ministers from several member countries are also expected to attend. These include Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand and Abiy Ahmad of Ethiopia.
Cuba, Nigeria and Uzbekistan are likely to be represented by their respective presidents — Miguel Díaz-Canel, Bola Tinubu and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Some BRICS Countries May Send Senior Representatives
Not every member country is expected to send its head of state.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silvaone of the founding leaders of the BRICS grouping, is reportedly unlikely to attend because of domestic commitments. Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira may represent Brazil instead.
Uganda could send Vice President Jessica Alupowhile Vietnam may be represented by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.
The UAE is also expected to send Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyanrather than UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
BRICS Agenda: Trade, Finance and Global Institutions
The official agenda is expected to cover major economic and development issues, including international trade, development finance and reforms of global institutions.
However, geopolitical tensions are likely to feature heavily in discussions behind closed doors.
The ongoing West Asia conflictin particular, could become one of the most challenging issues during negotiations over the summit declaration.
Iran is expected to seek language reflecting its position on the recent conflict, military strikes and sanctions. Reaching consensus could prove difficult because BRICS decisions are generally based on agreement among members.
A diplomat familiar with the preparations indicated that the wording concerning West Asia remains particularly sensitive, with participating countries maintaining different positions and red lines.
The final wording of the joint declaration is still being negotiated.
Xi Jinping’s Expected India Visit Adds Significance
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected presence could make the summit especially important for India-China relations.
Reuters has reported that Xi may arrive with a delegation of around 400 officialswhich would mark his first visit to India in seven years if confirmed.
His potential trip is being closely watched because New Delhi and Beijing have been working to improve ties following the serious military tensions and deadly border clashes of 2020.
While the BRICS agenda will remain important, Xi’s presence could provide an opportunity for India and China to discuss bilateral relations and explore further steps to stabilise ties.
Putin-Modi Meeting Also in Focus
Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to use the BRICS gathering for high-level engagement with India.
Putin is looking to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the regional forum while also pushing for stronger economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
During a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin, Putin reportedly highlighted the recovery in trade between Russia and India following a decline in the previous year. He also conveyed his greetings to Prime Minister Modi through the foreign minister.
India Balances Ties With Russia and China
The presence of both Putin and Xi will place India’s diplomatic balancing act in the spotlight.
New Delhi continues to maintain longstanding defence and energy partnerships with Russiadespite pressure from Western countries over Moscow’s position in the Ukraine conflict.
At the same time, India-China relations have gradually improved after years of military confrontation along the Line of Actual Control. However, significant strategic differences between the two Asian powers remain.
With leaders from major emerging economies expected to gather in New Delhi, the BRICS summit could therefore become more than an economic and diplomatic forum. It may also serve as an important platform for India to navigate competing geopolitical interests while strengthening its position on the global stage.