New Delhi is in the epicenter of global diplomacy as the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit gets underway from September 12. The summit, to be hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam, will last for two days and will be held until September 13 and is likely to be centered on economic cooperation and global governance, as well as international issues of concern.

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, will host the BRICS summit, and among the other leaders who will attend will be President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, and the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, will also attend the summit.

This is happening against the backdrop of the ongoing geopolitical tensions which include conflicts with Iran and Ukraine and rivalry among the major global powers. These events are likely to play an important role during the deliberations.

However, economic matters will also continue to be at the forefront of the discussions. The leaders are expected to deliberate on matters trade, investments, energy and food security, technology, critical supply chains and reform of global financial institutions. Discussions on increased use of national currencies and the need for a different global payment system from what we have at the moment are also going to feature prominently.

Several bilateral meetings are scheduled on the margins of this summit. Prime Minister Modi has already held talks with Russian President Putin, but a meeting with the Chinese President Xi Jinping is eagerly awaited.

With the presence of leaders from the expanded BRICS group meeting in Delhi, this summit is under scrutiny for its effects on the world economy and diplomacy.