Archive · 12 Sep 2026
India Hosts BRICS Summit Amid Defence, China, And Local News
India hosted an important BRICS meeting in New Delhi.
Leaders from countries including China, Russia, Iran and South Africa attended.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said developing countries should help make global rules instead of only following them.
India and Russia also discussed stronger defence cooperation.
Russia reportedly offered fighter-jet production and upgrades for India’s existing aircraft.
A Chinese airline is restarting direct flights between New Delhi and Guangzhou.
In Maharashtra, a Maratha protest march is being planned, while schools will receive snakebite safety training.
Mumbai will also deliver traditional modaks, and India has selected a possible squad for the Blind Cricket Asia Cup.
India hosted the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, with Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and other leaders attending.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the Global South to become a “rule shaper” and called for global governance and United Nations Security Council reforms.
Russia reportedly proposed joint production of Su-57 fighters and an $11-billion upgrade of about 260 Indian Su-30MKIs.
China Southern Airlines will resume daily New Delhi-Guangzhou flights on September 21, ending a six-year suspension.
Other developments include a planned Maratha protest march, a Thane snakebite campaign, Mumbai’s Modak Mahotsav and India’s probable blind-cricket squad.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BRICS leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Masoud Pezeshkian and Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian and Russian defence officials, and Maharashtra civic and community authorities.
- What
- India hosted the BRICS summit while pursuing defence cooperation with Russia, restoring air links with China and reporting several Maharashtra and sports developments.
- When
- The BRICS summit was scheduled for September 12-13, 2026; other listed developments run from September 14 through September 26, 2026.
- Where
- The main diplomatic events took place in New Delhi, while the local initiatives were planned in Maharashtra; the blind-cricket tournament is scheduled for Dhaka.
- Why
- The stated aims include strengthening multilateral cooperation, upgrading India’s fighter fleet, improving India-China connectivity, supporting public safety and women entrepreneurs, and preparing for sporting competition.
Arguments For Engagement And Cooperation
Arguments For Caution And Domestic Pressure
India-China relations
Arguments For Engagement And Cooperation
The resumption of direct China-India flights is presented as a sign of improving bilateral ties and an opportunity to expand trade, tourism, student travel and people-to-people exchanges.
Arguments For Caution And Domestic Pressure
The digest cautions that earlier diplomatic warmth preceded border incidents, including the 2014 Chumar episode and the 2020 Galwan clash, so New Delhi should remain watchful.
Global governance
Arguments For Engagement And Cooperation
Narendra Modi argued that the Global South should move from the “back row” to a stronger role in shaping international rules and institutions.
Arguments For Caution And Domestic Pressure
The report highlights the need for structural reforms, including changes to global governance and the United Nations Security Council, indicating that existing arrangements are viewed as unequal.
Maratha reservation agitation
Arguments For Engagement And Cooperation
Manoj Jarange Patil is urging supporters to prepare for a Mumbai march and says the community will proceed regardless of government permission.
Arguments For Caution And Domestic Pressure
The report notes that the government’s permission is an issue, but it does not provide the government’s detailed position or response.
- BRICS summit
- The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit was scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.
- Global governance
- Narendra Modi urged the Global South to become a global “rule shaper” and called for United Nations Security Council reforms.
- Defence proposal
- Russia reportedly proposed joint production of Su-57 fighters and an $11-billion upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fleet.
- China flights
- China Southern Airlines plans to restart daily New Delhi-Guangzhou flights on September 21, 2026.
- Maratha protest
- Manoj Jarange Patil announced preparations for a proposed Mumbai march and reiterated plans to protest at Azad Maidan.
- Snakebite campaign
- Thane’s Tribal Development Department will conduct awareness and emergency-response training from September 19-26.
- Blind cricket
- India named a 24-member probable squad for the 2026 Men’s Asia Cup for the Blind, to be reduced to 17 players.