Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Modi, Putin and Xi Unite at 2026 BRICS Summit
The BRICS Summit brought leaders from several countries together in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A photograph showed Modi holding hands with both leaders.
Modi and Xi also discussed India-China relations.
The leaders planted a banyan tree together as a symbol of cooperation.
President Droupadi Murmu met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and spoke about solving conflicts through dialogue.
Other guests visited a marketplace showing crafts and traditions from BRICS countries.
The leaders unanimously approved a document called the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
The declaration said countries of the Global South should have a stronger role in world affairs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping as the summit opened in New Delhi.
Leaders walked together at Bharat Mandapam, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian joining Modi, Putin and Xi.
Modi and Xi reviewed India-China relations, while India extended best wishes to China before its upcoming BRICS presidency.
BRICS leaders planted a banyan tree, which Modi said symbolized deep roots, growing strength and a shared future.
The summit’s opening day ended with unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, emphasizing a stronger role for the Global South.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BRICS leaders, and other officials including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping and Masoud Pezeshkian.
- What
- The 18th BRICS Summit featured diplomatic meetings, cultural engagements, a tree-planting ceremony and adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
- When
- The opening day took place on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam and other venues in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The summit focused on cooperation, sustainable development and giving the Global South a stronger role in shaping global affairs.
- Summit
- 18th BRICS Summit
- Host city
- New Delhi, India
- Main venue
- Bharat Mandapam
- Opening-day outcome
- Unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026
- India-China meeting
- Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping reviewed the full spectrum of India-China relations
- Symbolic ceremony
- BRICS leaders planted a banyan tree
- Upcoming presidency
- China is set to assume the rotating BRICS Presidency next year