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BRICS leaders gather in New Delhi as wars and rivalries strain the expanded bloc
The summit will test whether the expanded bloc can manage wars, rivalries and pressure to cut dependence on the U.S. dollar.
On Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, joining leaders of the expanded 11-member group amid geopolitical tensions.
Ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East test the grouping's unity, as members with competing regional ambitions—including India, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia—struggle to maintain cohesive positions.
Members are discussing creating payment systems and increasing trade in local currencies to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, though they often disagree on practical implementation steps.
Host India seeks to balance partnerships with the United States and Western powers against ties with Russia and China, using the summit to manage bilateral issues.
Mahesh Sachdev, a retired Indian diplomat, argues BRICS needs "more cohesive attitude and better harmony," warning that if it remains a "periodic talking shop and photo ops," its relevance erodes.
NEW DELHI (AP) — BRICS leaders meet in New Delhi this weekend, while wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and tensions between the U.S. and China put capacity to the test...