Jaishankar meets Nigeria, Cuba FMs at BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Synopsis
EAM Jaishankar used the opening day of India's BRICS presidency summit to hold back-to-back bilaterals with Nigeria, Cuba, and Belarus — a signal that New Delhi views the expanded BRICS partner framework as a serious diplomatic channel, not a ceremonial sideshow. The meetings centred on trade, people-to-people ties, and South-South cooperation.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar met Nigerian FM Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Cuban FM Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12 September 2026 .
India-Nigeria talks focused on economic cooperation and people-to-people ties .
The India-Cuba exchange centred on South-South cooperation .
Jaishankar also met Belarusian FM Maxim Ryzhenkov , discussing trade, investments, connectivity , and regional developments.
India's BRICS chairship theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability' .
BRICS now has 11 full members and 10 partner countries .
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday, 12 September 2026, held separate bilateral discussions with Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meetings came on the opening day of India's two-day presidency summit, underscoring the host nation's push to deepen engagement with BRICS partner countries beyond the core membership bloc.
Key Bilateral Discussions
In his meeting with Nigeria's top diplomat, Jaishankar reportedly focused on economic cooperation and people-to-people ties. 'Nice to meet FM Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu of Nigeria at BRICS India 2026. Our conversation focused on economic cooperation and people-to-people ties,' the minister stated on the social media platform X, sharing a glimpse of the interaction.
With Cuba's Rodriguez Parrilla, the discussion centred on South-South cooperation — a diplomatic framework that has gained renewed traction as developing nations seek alternatives to Western-dominated multilateral channels. 'Good to meet FM Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla of Cuba on the sidelines of BRICS India 2026. Had a useful exchange on our South-South cooperation,' Jaishankar noted in a separate post on X.
Belarus Meeting Earlier in the Day
Earlier on Saturday, the External Affairs Minister also met Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, reviewing bilateral ties with a focus on trade and investments, connectivity, tourism, and people-to-people contacts. The two ministers also exchanged perspectives on current regional developments, according to Jaishankar's post on X. 'Glad to meet FM Maxim Ryzhenkov of Belarus today … Also exchanged perspectives on current regional developments. Wished him a pleasant stay in India,' he stated.
India's BRICS Presidency and Summit Theme
As the 2026 BRICS chair, India is hosting the summit under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of 'Humanity First.' The summit brings together leaders and senior officials from both full member states and partner countries for discussions on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation on shared priorities and exchanging perspectives on global and regional matters.
BRICS Membership and Partner Countries
The expanded BRICS grouping now comprises 11 full members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Its 10 partner countries include Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. India's outreach to partner nations such as Nigeria and Cuba signals a deliberate strategy to leverage the BRICS platform as a bridge to the broader Global South — a diplomatic priority that has defined Modi's third-term foreign policy.
With the summit continuing on Sunday, further bilateral meetings and a leaders' declaration are expected. The outcomes will be closely watched for signals on trade settlement mechanisms, institutional reform of the New Development Bank, and any consensus language on ongoing global conflicts.
Point of View
Cuba, and Belarus on Day 1 signal that New Delhi sees the partner-country framework as a pipeline for real engagement — trade corridors, diaspora linkages, and South-South alignment — rather than just summit optics. The real test will be whether these meetings produce follow-through beyond communiqué language. India's ability to convert BRICS sideline conversations into durable bilateral outcomes has historically been mixed.
NationPress
12 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did EAM Jaishankar meet at the BRICS Summit on 12 September 2026?
EAM S. Jaishankar held separate meetings with Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
What was discussed in the India-Nigeria bilateral at BRICS 2026?
The conversation between Jaishankar and Nigeria's Odumegwu-Ojukwu focused on economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, according to the minister's post on X.
What is India's theme for its 2026 BRICS chairship?
India's BRICS chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,' reflecting PM Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of 'Humanity First.'
Which countries are BRICS partner nations?
The 10 BRICS partner countries are Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Where is the 18th BRICS Summit being held?
The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi, India, over two days starting 12 September 2026, with India serving as the 2026 BRICS chair.
