Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders and delegates at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, 12 September, marking the opening evening of the two-day 18th BRICS Summit. Among the dignitaries who arrived at the venue were Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, alongside several other world leaders and representatives.

Curated Vegan Menu and Cultural Showcase

A specially curated vegan gala dinner formed the centrepiece of the evening's hospitality. The thoughtfully designed plant-based menu celebrated India's rich culinary diversity while aligning with principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and mindful hospitality, according to officials.

Alongside the culinary offering, a special cultural performance titled 'Navarasa — The Universe of Shared Emotions' was presented. The evening also featured the BRICS Symphony — 'One Rhythm, Many Cultures', which united musicians from BRICS member and partner countries in a collaborative musical performance.

Symbolism Through Art and Music

Drawing on diverse traditions and instruments, the Symphony reportedly created a shared artistic expression reflecting the cultural richness and spirit of togetherness within the BRICS family. By blending these musical elements with India's classical dance traditions, the presentation symbolised the common bonds connecting diverse civilisations and embodied the summit's broader message of 'Building a Better World Together' through cultural exchange.

India's BRICS Chairship and Summit Agenda

As BRICS Chair 2026, India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit over two days at Bharat Mandapam. India's chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', reflecting Prime Minister Modi's vision of a people-centric approach rooted in the spirit of 'Humanity First,' according to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Beyond these focus areas, the leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen intra-BRICS cooperation on shared priorities and exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual interest.

BRICS Membership and Partner Countries

BRICS currently comprises 11 member nations: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The bloc's partner countries include Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

This is the first time India is hosting a BRICS Summit since the group's expansion from five to eleven members. The summit's proceedings on Sunday are expected to yield key outcome documents on trade facilitation, digital infrastructure, and multilateral reform — areas where member states reportedly share broad consensus but differ on specifics.