BRICS Summit enters crucial second day with expanded multilateral engagement

The BRICS summit enters its second and most consequential day on Wednesday as delegations from member and partner nations gather at Bharat Mandapam in the capital. The day's agenda includes a formal family photograph of all participating leaders, followed by an open session focused on inclusive global development—a key theme of India's presidency of the grouping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a series of bilateral engagements with leaders representing nations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Scheduled meetings include sessions with counterparts from Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Egypt, South Africa, Burundi, Nigeria, and Uganda. These bilateral interactions are expected to address bilateral cooperation frameworks and broader regional security and economic concerns.

The open session on inclusive global development will provide a platform for leaders from BRICS members—India, Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa—alongside partner nations to discuss strategies for equitable economic growth and development cooperation. The format allows for broader dialogue beyond the core grouping, reflecting the summit's emphasis on expanding the coalition of developing nations seeking greater representation in global affairs.

The summit represents a significant diplomatic gathering in New Delhi, with the expanded participation of partner nations underscoring India's efforts to position BRICS as an increasingly influential voice in addressing global challenges facing the Global South.