BRICS leaders meet in India as wars and US tensions test the bloc
India hosted the 18th BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, as the bloc attempts to maintain cohesion despite geopolitical divisions. The group now consists of 11 member countries, representing approximately 40% of global GDP and 49% of the world population. Leaders addressed economic cooperation and bilateral ties while navigating the impact of a US-led war involving Iran. While Prime Minister Modi and President Xi met to prevent further crises, their core disagreements remain unresolved.
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- ✓ India hosted the 18th BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, 2026.
- ✓ The BRICS group consists of 11 member countries.
- ✓ BRICS members account for roughly 49% of the world population and about 40% of the world GDP.
- ✓ The bloc includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
What changed
The summit occurred on September 12 and 13, 2026, involving 11 member countries that represent 40% of global GDP.
Live updates
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India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit Amid Global Tensions
India hosted the 18th BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, as the bloc attempts to maintain cohesion despite geopolitical divisions. The group now consists of 11 member countries, representing approximately 40% of global GDP and 49% of the world population. Leaders addressed economic cooperation and bilateral ties while navigating the impact of a US-led war involving Iran. While Prime Minister Modi and President Xi met to prevent further crises, their core disagreements remain unresolved.
Why it matters
The bloc is expanding its membership to increase global visibility and economic influence. Current instability in Iran has disrupted energy supplies and increased oil prices. These tensions coincide with diplomatic engagements between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
What is confirmed
- India hosted the 18th BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, 2026.
- The BRICS group consists of 11 member countries.
- BRICS members account for roughly 49% of the world population and about 40% of the world GDP.
- The bloc includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Still unconfirmed
- The meeting between Modi and Xi failed to resolve core disagreements.
- A war in Iran has driven up oil prices and disrupted global energy supplies.
What to watch next
- Official communiques regarding trade and defense agreements from the September summit
- Updates on the resolution of core disagreements between India and China
- Impact of US-China diplomatic meetings on BRICS cohesion
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (7)
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- www.youtube.com — BRICS summit tests the bloc's cohesion | Patryk Kugiel
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BRICS leaders meet in India amid global tensions
The 18th BRICS Summit has begun in New Delhi, bringing together leaders from member nations, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates. India aims to enhance economic cooperation and global visibility. The summit occurs as the bloc faces rising geopolitical pressures, including a US-led war involving Iran. Leaders discussed bilateral ties and cooperation in trade, investment, defence, energy, agriculture, and space.
Why it matters
The BRICS Summit is a significant event for emerging economies. The grouping seeks to promote cooperation in economic, political, and social areas. Rising global tensions, particularly between the US and Iran, are testing the bloc's unity and objectives. The summit's outcomes may influence global economic governance and geopolitical alignments.
What is confirmed
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed several world leaders at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the 18th BRICS Summit.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in New Delhi, discussing bilateral ties and cooperation.
- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit.
What to watch next
- The outcomes of the BRICS Summit and their impact on global economic governance
- The meeting between Iranian and Emirati officials as a significant diplomatic development
- The discussions on a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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- ddnews.gov.in — EAM Jaishankar meets Brazil FM Mauro Vieira as BRICS Summit ...
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BRICS Leaders Gather in New Delhi Amid Regional Tensions
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from eleven member nations, including Iran and the United Arab Emirates, as the bloc navigates rising geopolitical pressures and a United States-led war involving Iran. India is hosting the gathering to enhance economic cooperation and global visibility, while the United Nations highlights a sideline meeting between Iranian and Emirati officials as a significant diplomatic development. Meanwhile, a separate scientific study links adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder to an increased risk of late-life dementia and cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
The summit tests the internal unity of the BRICS bloc as member states face stark divisions over conflicts in West Asia. India positions itself as a diplomatic bridge-builder during the New Delhi meetings, facilitating direct contact between adversarial regional states. Separately, public health researchers utilizing United States health records have identified potential long-term neurological risks associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
What is confirmed
- The 18th BRICS Summit is taking place in New Delhi.
- The summit brings representatives of Iran and the United Arab Emirates together.
- A study published in JAMA Psychiatry examined health records and genetic data from 187,341 adults aged 50 and older.
Still unconfirmed
- Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder face a 4.6-fold higher rate of developing cognitive impairment over time.
What to watch next
- Diplomatic outcomes or joint statements from the BRICS summit regarding the conflict in West Asia
- Further bilateral meetings between Iranian and Emirati officials on the sidelines of the summit
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.wionews.com — UN calls Pezeshkian-Sheikh Khaled meeting at BRICS Summit ...
- www.thedailystar.net — India hosts BRICS summit as Iran war tests unity | The Daily Star
- jen.jiji.com — Study links ADHD to higher dementia risk
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BRICS leaders meet in India amid global tensions
The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi, India, with leaders from 11 member nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and India, calling for calm in the Middle East. The summit aimed to strengthen economic and people-to-people links among member states. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the summit, discussing safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and economic cooperation with various leaders.
Why it matters
The BRICS Summit occurs as global tensions rise due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran. The bloc's expansion and growing global influence have brought both opportunities and challenges. BRICS now comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
What is confirmed
- BRICS comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
- The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi, India.
- BRICS leaders called for calm in the Middle East at the summit.
- India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the summit.
Still unconfirmed
- Saudi Arabia's status in BRICS has been described inconsistently.
What to watch next
- The next BRICS Summit and its agenda
- The impact of global tensions on BRICS member states
- The outcome of India's balancing act between Western partners and China
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (13)
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- infobrics.org — BRICS portal
- en.wikipedia.org — Member states of BRICS - Wikipedia
- www.cfr.org — What Is the BRICS Group and Why Is It Expanding?
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BRICS Leaders Adopt Joint Declaration at 18th Summit in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted leaders from 11 member nations at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where the bloc adopted a joint declaration urging maximum restraint in the Middle East. The summit took place amid tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Key meetings included discussions between Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and an agreement between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen economic and people-to-people links.
Why it matters
The summit occurs as emerging economies attempt to establish a resilient global order while navigating tensions between major powers. India is simultaneously positioning itself as a global semiconductor hub and managing high software service exports, which reached $221.4 billion in 2025-26.
What is confirmed
- The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam.
- The BRICS leaders adopted a joint declaration calling for maximum restraint in the Middle East.
- India's software services exports totaled $221.4 billion in 2025-26.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen economic transport and people-to-people links.
- The summit included leaders from 11 member nations, including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Masoud Pezeshkian.
Still unconfirmed
- India is pitching itself as a reliable global hub for semiconductor production.
- The New Delhi Declaration was achieved through persuasion rather than pressure.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the joint declaration regarding Middle East restraint.
- Developments in US-Iran tit-for-tat strikes affecting Strait of Hormuz commerce.
- Progress on India's domestic chip manufacturing and semiconductor investments.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (16)
- www.indiaweekly.biz — Modi pitches India as a reliable global hub for semiconductor production
- www.indiaweekly.biz — How did India’s software exports reach $221bn while the US took more than half?
- tribune.com.pk — How BRICS is filling the void - The Express Tribune
- www.wionews.com — BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi hosts top leaders in New Delhi ...
- www.thedailystar.net — BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges 'maximum restraint' in ...
- www.wionews.com — Two fronts, one stage: Russia-Ukraine and West Asia crises ...
- www.eurasiareview.com — The Rise Of BRISCO - Analysis - Eurasia Review
- www.cfr.org — India After the Liberal Order | Council on Foreign Relations
- thearabianpost.com — Xi, Modi advance ties during Delhi BRICS meeting - Arabian Post
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — BRICS New Delhi Declaration – persuasion works, not pressure
- www.wionews.com — BRICS Summit 2026: Top world leaders in New Delhi ... - WION
- www.thedailystar.net — BRICS summit set to begin amid global crises | The Daily Star
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FBI Indicts Five Over Russian Assassination Plots in US and Europe
US federal authorities indicted five people tied to a Russian intelligence network planning targeted assassinations and infrastructure attacks in the United States and European nations supporting Ukraine. A Manhattan federal court complaint reveals the network paid or attempted to pay individuals to surveil and eliminate targets. James Barnacle Jr., head of the FBI's New York office, stated the agency thwarted the plots. Separately, India's food safety regulator filed three cases against Nestlé over infant nutrition products, citing promotional claims and biotin findings.
Why it matters
The federal indictment exposes direct security threats inside the United States and allied European territories linked to Russian intelligence operations tied to the Ukraine war. Concurrently, regulatory friction in India highlights persistent domestic oversight challenges for multinational food corporations operating within the region. These developments run parallel to wider diplomatic strains managed by New Delhi during recent high-level international summits.
What is confirmed
- US federal authorities indicted five people over a Russian intelligence network planning targeted assassinations in the United States and Europe.
- A Manhattan federal court complaint states the intelligence network paid or attempted to pay people to surveil targets for elimination.
- India's food regulator FSSAI filed three cases against Nestlé over infant nutrition products citing promotional claims and a biotin-related finding.
What to watch next
- Developments regarding the five indicted suspects who remain at large
- Further legal proceedings in the Manhattan federal court regarding the Russian intelligence network
- Nestlé's official response and resolution regarding the three FSSAI cases in India
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- jen.jiji.com — Ukraine, FBI's warning: "Russia plans targeted assassinations in the US and Europe"
- www.indiaweekly.biz — What is behind India’s latest regulatory action against Nestlé’s baby formula?
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BRICS Summit Concludes in New Delhi
BRICS leaders concluded their summit in New Delhi under the hosting of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gathering brought together leaders from Russia, China, and Iran to negotiate an agreement amid rising oil prices and friction with the United States. India successfully mediated a dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates to secure a joint declaration calling for maximum restraint in the Middle East. The meetings tested New Delhi ability to manage competing diplomatic pressures.
Why it matters
The summit underscores the geopolitical friction testing the bloc as global conflicts and United States policy tensions mount. India positioning at the center of these negotiations highlights its delicate strategic balancing act among major powers. The agreement on Middle East restraint demonstrates the group capacity to forge consensus despite regional rivalries.
What is confirmed
- BRICS leaders concluded a summit in New Delhi hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Leaders from Russia, China, and Iran attended the meetings amid rising oil prices and United States tensions.
- India mediated a dispute between Iran and the UAE to help finalize the joint declaration.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the joint declaration on Middle East restraint by member states
- Further diplomatic fallout from United States tensions on BRICS economic policies
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
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BRICS leaders adopt joint declaration at New Delhi summit
BRICS leaders concluded a summit in New Delhi where they adopted a joint declaration urging maximum restraint in the Middle East. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted leaders from Russia, China, and Iran amid rising oil prices and tensions with the United States. The bloc successfully hammered out the agreement after India mediated a dispute between Iran and the UAE. The meeting served as a test of India's strategic balancing act while facing the influence of US politics and ongoing global conflicts.
Why it matters
The summit occurs as the US maintains a high-alert military presence in the Arabian Sea to counter Iranian threats. BRICS aims to provide an alternative geopolitical alignment to Western-led structures, particularly regarding energy and diplomacy.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted leaders from Russia, China, and Iran at the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
- BRICS adopted a joint declaration that urges maximum restraint in the Middle East.
Still unconfirmed
- India bridged a chasm between Iran and the UAE to enable the joint declaration.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the joint declaration's Middle East directives
- Further diplomatic shifts in US-BRICS relations
- Official publication of the full summit agreement text
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
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- Al Jazeera — BRICS meets in India: What’s on the agenda, why it matters
- AP News — BRICS leaders meet in India as wars and US tensions test the bloc
- The New York Times — As Oil Prices Rise, BRICS Leaders Have What U.S. Doesn’t: Iran at the Table
- Reuters — BRICS agrees on joint declaration before New Delhi summit, sources say
- upi.com — Modi hosts leaders of Russia, Iran and China at BRICS summit
- Reuters — BRICS adopts joint declaration, urges 'maximum restraint' in Mideast
- dw.com — India's BRICS strategy tested with Xi, Putin set to visit
- NDTV — Opinion | Building BRICS In New Delhi
- The Times of India — BRICS hammers out joint declaration after India bridges Iran-UAE chasm
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