Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday for the 18th BRICS summit, marking his first in-person attendance at the event outside Russia since February 2022. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding defense and energy cooperation. Other prominent leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, are also scheduled to attend the two-day summit beginning September 12.
The summit will address significant global challenges, including supply chain disruptions in energy and agriculture caused by ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine. Discussions are also expected to focus on increasing intra-BRICS trade and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is among the multilateral organization heads participating in the event.
In preparation for the arrival of at least 16 heads of state, Delhi police have implemented extensive security measures, deploying 15,000 personnel and 200 paramilitary companies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the summit will foster positive discussions aimed at global welfare. This event marks President Xi Jinping's first visit to India in nearly seven years.
