Guterres and Modi discuss Middle East, Ukraine conflicts ahead of BRICS summit

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday, holding wide-ranging talks on the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and their consequences for the global economy, including access to food and fertiliser.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit, which India is hosting on September 12-13. According to the office of the UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, Guterres reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation during the discussions.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the growing danger posed by lethal autonomous weapons. They discussed the priorities of India's BRICS presidency, including the need for multilateral institutions that reflect the realities of the 21st century.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for India's close cooperation with the United Nations.

Guterres has been invited to address the summit's Open Session on September 13, themed "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth."

India, a founding member of BRICS, holds the chair for 2026 and is hosting the summit, which will bring together leaders of member states, partner countries and outreach invitees.

This is Guterres's second visit to India this year. He travelled to New Delhi in February to attend the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. His second five-year term as head of the United Nations ends in December 2026.