New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic discussions in New Delhi on Thursday, meeting with several foreign ministers attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The Prime Minister held individual sessions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. These strategic dialogues took place on the sidelines of the primary gathering, which has transformed the Indian capital into a focal point for international relations. As part of the high-level engagement, the Prime Minister also joined the visiting ministers and delegates for an official BRICS family photo, symbolizing the unity of the expanded multilateral alliance.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar set the stage earlier in the day by welcoming the dignitaries at Bharat Mandapam. The proceedings began with a significant reception for Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, followed by greetings for representatives from various member and observer nations. A notable detail of the day was the attendance of Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who represented his country in place of Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The Chinese minister remained in Beijing to host United States President Donald Trump, whose visit to China coincided with the New Delhi summit. Jaishankar also held productive sessions with his counterparts from Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the meeting.
This two-day summit, running from May 14 to May 15, serves as a cornerstone of India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship. India officially assumed the presidency from Brazil on January 1, marking the fourth time the nation has led the influential bloc since its inception. Having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021, India is utilizing its current leadership to focus on economic cooperation, multilateral reforms, and pressing development challenges. The meeting provides a vital platform for emerging economies to discuss trade and regional stability amidst a shifting global landscape.
As the host, New Delhi is reinforcing its position as a leader within the newly enlarged alliance, facilitating dialogue on critical issues of global importance. The discussions are expected to produce frameworks for enhanced trade relations and collective action on international development. With a focus on inclusive growth and the interests of the Global South, the 2026 ministerial meeting highlights India’s ongoing commitment to fostering a multipolar world order that prioritizes cooperation over conflict.
