Leaders from 11 BRICS nations are meeting in New Delhi for an annual summit, with discussions expected to be influenced by US policy and internal group divisions.

Leaders from 11 BRICS nations, including India, China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, and Iran, are gathering in New Delhi for an annual summit. While the agenda covers trade, energy, and defense, the influence of US President Donald Trump’s policies remains a central focus. The summit follows bilateral talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who met in the capital on Friday to discuss ongoing cooperation.

Internal Divisions and US Policy

Despite the focus on US policies, including potential tariffs and the administration's opposition to de-dollarization efforts, the group is unlikely to issue a consensus statement directly challenging Washington. Analysts note that BRICS is deeply divided, with members holding divergent interests regarding their relationship with the US. India, currently negotiating a trade deal with the US, and the UAE, which hosts American military bases, are among those expected to resist strong, anti-US rhetoric.

India-Russia Relations

The summit follows high-level meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, who previously met on August 31 in Kyrgyzstan. Their discussions in Delhi are centered on civil nuclear energy, fertilizers, defense, and critical minerals. India remains a major buyer of Russian oil, which has become a vital source of energy for the country, particularly as India seeks to maintain affordable supplies despite Western sanctions on Moscow.