U.S. watches as Russia, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Africa’s BRICS powers rally in India to bypass sanctions and break the US dollar’s hold over global finance

Global leaders from major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have arrived in New Delhi, India for the 18th BRICS Summit held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, 2026.

As India assumes the presidency of the group for the fourth time, the meeting brings together key international heads of state alongside representatives from recently joined member states.

The diplomatic gathering occurs against a backdrop of active international conflicts and major economic initiatives aimed at transforming global trade cooperation.

Leaders from India, Russia, China, and Iran gather for New Delhi summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian ahead of the main sessions.