Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a positive and constructive approach ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, expressing hope that the high-level gathering will lead to meaningful discussions on issues affecting the wider international community.
In his message ahead of the summit, Modi highlighted the importance of working together with a shared commitment to global welfare. He said the gathering should provide an opportunity for countries to engage in constructive discussions and explore ways to address common challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
The Prime Minister also placed emphasis on the importance of goodwill, friendship and positive engagement among nations. His remarks come at a time when the international environment remains marked by geopolitical tensions, conflicts and economic uncertainty.
India Sets a Cooperative Tone
India is hosting the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The expanded grouping now brings together 11 member countries, giving the forum a much broader geographical and political footprint than its original five-member format.
Modi’s message reflects India’s effort to present BRICS as a platform for dialogue and practical cooperation rather than confrontation. The Prime Minister has previously described BRICS as a diverse and inclusive forum capable of working in the interests of humanity and has stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in dealing with international challenges.
The emphasis on friendship and positive interaction is particularly significant for the 2026 summit, which is taking place against the backdrop of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as wider tensions between major global powers.
Global Issues in Focus
The summit is expected to provide an opportunity for BRICS leaders to discuss a wide range of economic, political and strategic issues. Among the broader areas of cooperation are trade, financial coordination, technology, artificial intelligence, sustainable development and mechanisms aimed at strengthening economic resilience.
India has also been pushing for greater cooperation among BRICS countries in areas such as supply chains, trade in services, cross-border payments and the use of national currencies. At the BRICS Trade Ministers’ Meeting held in Jaipur earlier this year, member countries endorsed steps related to economic partnership, MSME financing and more resilient global value chains.
These economic priorities are expected to form an important part of the wider summit agenda as member states look for ways to strengthen cooperation while navigating a rapidly changing global economy.
Diplomacy Amid Global Tensions
The 2026 summit also carries added diplomatic significance because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the wider instability in West Asia. BRICS has become increasingly diverse since its expansion, but its members do not always share identical positions on major geopolitical issues.
According to international reporting, the summit is expected to test the bloc’s ability to maintain unity while dealing with disagreements over regional conflicts and the changing global order. Leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among those attending the New Delhi gathering.
Against this backdrop, Modi’s call for goodwill and constructive engagement could be seen as an effort to establish a cooperative tone before leaders begin detailed discussions on issues where their national interests may differ.
India’s Message to the Global South
For India, the BRICS summit is also an opportunity to highlight its vision of a more representative and balanced international system. New Delhi has consistently argued for stronger multilateral cooperation and greater representation for developing and emerging economies in global institutions.
The Prime Minister’s latest message places the idea of collective global welfare at the centre of India’s approach. Rather than focusing solely on differences between member countries, India is seeking to use the BRICS platform to identify areas where cooperation can produce practical results.
With the summit approaching, attention will now turn to the discussions among the participating leaders and whether they can reach common ground on major international and economic challenges. The outcome could also influence how BRICS positions itself in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
For India, the summit is not only a major diplomatic event but also an opportunity to demonstrate its ability to bring diverse countries together around dialogue, cooperation and shared interests.
Journalist: Vijay Singh</