Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met foreign ministers from BRICS nations in New Delhi as India formally hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for 2026. The two-day meeting, being held on May 14 and 15, comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and intensified global diplomatic realignments.
The meeting has brought together senior diplomats and foreign ministers from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, along with representatives from newly expanded BRICS partner nations. Officials said discussions are focused on strengthening multilateral cooperation, trade partnerships, financial coordination and global security issues.
During the interaction, Modi emphasised the importance of cooperation among emerging economies and called for stronger coordination on issues affecting the Global South. According to officials, topics including global trade disruptions, energy security, regional conflicts, climate challenges and reform of international institutions are expected to dominate the agenda.
The BRICS grouping has expanded its global influence significantly in recent years, especially after the inclusion of new partner countries aimed at increasing the bloc’s economic and geopolitical reach. Analysts say the Delhi meeting is being closely watched internationally as BRICS members continue efforts to strengthen alternative financial and diplomatic mechanisms amid shifting global power equations.
India’s hosting of the foreign ministers’ meeting is also seen as part of New Delhi’s broader diplomatic outreach ahead of future BRICS leadership engagements. Officials indicated that discussions may also touch upon cooperation in technology, healthcare, digital infrastructure and cross-border investment frameworks.
The summit comes amid heightened tensions in multiple regions, including the Middle East conflict, the Ukraine war and ongoing global trade disputes involving major economies. Several BRICS countries have repeatedly called for reforms in global governance institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank and International Monetary Fund to better reflect the interests of developing nations.
Security arrangements in the national capital were tightened ahead of the summit, with diplomatic delegations arriving in Delhi over the past two days. The Ministry of External Affairs said the meeting aims to deepen cooperation among BRICS nations while reinforcing the bloc’s role in shaping future global economic and political discussions.