New Delhi's premier venue, Bharat Mandapam, is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 under India's presidency. The Ministry of External Affairs has officially released the detailed two-day itinerary for the high-profile international event, which centers around the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. The summit will gather top leaders from BRICS member states alongside invited delegations and partner countries. Leading up to this flagship event, India organized more than 350 preparatory meetings and high-level sessions across over 25 cities.
Day 1 Schedule: Closed Sessions, Exhibition Tour, and Gala Dinner
The summit will commence on Saturday, September 12, as foreign dignitaries and leaders arrive at Bharat Mandapam. The formal proceedings begin at approximately 2:35 PM with a closed-door session focusing on 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism'. This session aims to foster candid discussions among member states regarding global institutional reforms.
Following the closed session, leaders will tour the 'Bharat Innovates Exhibition' at 4:25 PM to observe India's technological and research advancements. The schedule continues at 5:05 PM with an official family photo session, immediately followed by a joint tree plantation ceremony at 5:10 PM. The first day will conclude with a grand gala dinner hosted by the Prime Minister at 7:30 PM on Level-3 of Bharat Mandapam.
Day 2 Agenda: Outreach Arrivals and Comprehensive Open Session
On Sunday, September 13, the summit expands its footprint with the arrival of heads of state and government from partner countries and participants under the 'Outreach Programme' at 9:55 AM. A joint family photo featuring all participating global leaders is scheduled for 10:35 AM.
The cornerstone of the second day is the open session starting at 10:50 AM, themed 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth'. During this comprehensive assembly, delegates will exchange strategic perspectives on global economic trajectory, trade cooperation, energy security, financial resilience, and technological collaboration.
Two Decades of BRICS and India's Fourth Presidency
The 2026 assembly holds immense landmark significance as the BRICS alliance completes 20 years since its founding. Marking its fourth tenure at the helm of the group, India is leveraging its presidency to push for structural reforms in global governance, enhanced financial integration, sustainable development mechanisms, and stronger multilateral ties.
