BRICS Summit in New Delhi: 5 Leaders Adopt Joint Declaration as Egypt's Sisi Joins Closed-Door Talks
Leaders of the BRICS nations gathered in New Delhi for their first in-person summit since the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting a joint declaration while discussing global growth and cooperation. Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi addressed the group behind closed doors as new partner countries joined Day 2 talks.
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The BRICS summit opened in New Delhi this week, bringing together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa for their first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic [238894]. The gathering also marked the group's first meeting since inviting new members to join, part of a push to expand its global influence [238894].
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those attending the closely watched gathering [238921]. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the leaders as the bloc sought to present a common front [238843].
On Thursday, leaders adopted a joint declaration at the summit, though further details of the agreement were not immediately available [239904]. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called on BRICS nations to defend multilateralism and push for global governance reform, saying the group must strengthen its role in a changing world [239896].
The summit also featured the arrival of new partner countries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, adding Indonesia's voice to the high-level meeting [239846]. On Day 2, BRICS members and their new partner countries met for an open session titled "Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth," with talks focused on resilience, innovation, and cooperation [239941].
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi joined a closed-door session of BRICS leaders on Saturday, September 12, 2026, delivering Egypt's statement under the theme "building resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability" [239979].
Ahead of the main summit, the BRICS business forum opened in New Delhi on Friday, focusing on building more connected and resilient trade networks, with digital technology emerging as a key link between businesses [239935].
The expanded group faces questions about whether it can speak with one voice as members hold different interests and ties to other powers [238894]. The summit's outcome will show whether BRICS can turn its growing size into real clout [238894].
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