India is preparing to host the BRICS annual summit in New Delhi this September, marking an important gathering under its current chairmanship. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed his attendance for the summit, which is scheduled to take place on September 12-13. This visit highlights the ongoing collaboration within the BRICS nations, which also include Brazil, China, and South Africa, alongside newer members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Putin is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscoring the strategic dynamics within the bloc. This gathering comes at a time when BRICS has significantly expanded, now encompassing 11 leading emerging economies. Collectively, these countries represent almost half of the global population and contribute to around 40% of the world’s GDP, as well as 26% of global trade, reinforcing the bloc’s growing influence on the global stage.
President Putin’s upcoming visit to India will be his first since December 2025, when he attended the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit continues the tradition of high-level engagement between the two nations, reflecting their long-standing partnership. Earlier in the month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov participated in a two-day conclave of BRICS member states in New Delhi, further cementing Russia’s active role within the group.
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen significant growth with new members joining in recent years. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates became part of the bloc in 2024, followed by Indonesia in 2025. This expansion has enhanced BRICS’ capacity as a major global platform for dialogue and cooperation among some of the world’s most populous and economically dynamic countries.