Brics 2026: Trump shadow looms large over Delhi summit as Modi hosts Putin and Xi

September 11, 2026, leaders of the BRICS bloc convene in Delhi for a two‑day summit that runs through September 12. The gathering brings together heads of state from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for high‑level talks on trade, security and geopolitical alignment. The event is positioned as a showcase of the bloc’s growing economic weight and political coordination. It follows months of preparation and diplomatic outreach by India.

Security was tightened around central Delhi, as reported by The Hindu. Despite the diplomatic showcase, coverage notes that the summit is unfolding under a cloud of U.S. tension and the lingering influence of former President Donald Trump. Al Jazeera and AP News point to ongoing wars and strained U.S.–BRICS relations testing the bloc’s cohesion. Bloomberg questions whether the enlarged group can truly challenge the United States, and Foreign Policy asks who will wear the BRICS crown, reflecting uncertainty about the bloc’s future direction.

The next day’s sessions will feature bilateral meetings and potential trade agreements, according to the agenda posted by the host. Observers will watch for statements from Modi, Putin and Xi on security cooperation, as well as any remarks from U.S. officials that could signal a response to the summit’s outcomes. Subsequent reporting will clarify whether the bloc’s economic ambitions translate into concrete policy.