BRICS Summit in Delhi Adopts New Delhi Declaration; Modi Meets Xi, Putin

The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi concluded its opening day with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, capping a packed schedule of plenaries, bilateral meetings and cultural engagements at Bharat Mandapam.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Global South must become a key rule-shaper in world affairs. He described the declaration as reflecting a partnership wider in reach, stronger in purpose and committed to sustainable development.

Modi holds bilaterals with Xi, Putin

On the sidelines, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to review the full spectrum of India-China relations. The prime minister conveyed India's best wishes to China as Beijing prepares to assume the rotating BRICS presidency next year.

Visual moments from the summit drew wide attention, including Modi clasping hands with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin as the proceedings began. In another frame, Modi led a group of leaders that included Xi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Putin walking close behind.

Green diplomacy and cultural outreach

Leaders planted a banyan tree in the capital, with Modi noting that the species symbolises the grouping's deep roots, growing strength and shared future.

President Droupadi Murmu met her Iranian counterpart Pezeshkian on the summit's margins. She reiterated India's commitment to regional peace and stressed resolving international conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

Pezeshkian also met UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ties between Tehran and Abu Dhabi have been strained since the West Asia conflict began, with Iranian retaliatory strikes hitting locations in the UAE, including an oil facility and an air base.

Union Minister Annapurna Devi hosted Zahra Pezeshkian, the Iranian president's daughter, at the BRICS Bazaar held inside the National Crafts Museum. The visit highlighted traditional art, handlooms and cultural heritage from member and partner nations.