India Ready for Xi Jinping and Putin Visits in September; BRICS Summit in Delhi

India is making comprehensive preparations for high-level state visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both expected to attend the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, in New Delhi. The Foreign Secretary has already held extensive talks in Beijing, with Chinese officials arriving in Delhi to oversee security and logistical preparations. This represents a significant diplomatic moment for India's foreign policy, particularly given current geopolitical tensions.

The BRICS grouping—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has emerged as an alternative to Western-dominated international institutions. India's presidency of BRICS in 2026 is strategically important, as it showcases India's role as a leading voice in the Global South and in non-aligned frameworks. The simultaneous visits by the leaders of India's two most significant neighbours underscore India's balancing act in managing relations with both Beijing and Moscow, especially given the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The summit is expected to discuss expanding BRICS membership (UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran recently joined), economic cooperation, de-dollarization initiatives, and regional security issues. India will likely use its presidency to push for consensus on development priorities, climate action, and strengthening South-South cooperation. The number of bilateral summits expected on the sidelines—India-China, India-Russia, and broader BRICS interactions—will be substantial.

This is crucial for UPSC examinations testing India's foreign policy strategy, multilateral diplomacy, and India's role in non-Western international institutions. Questions frequently appear on BRICS evolution, India's geopolitical positioning, and how India manages its relationship with both China and Russia. The summit also relates to India's broader vision of a multipolar world order and its emphasis on developing country cooperation.