Relations over rivalry, people over politics: India looks to build BRICS bridges in uncertain world

Relations over rivalry, people over politics: India looks to build BRICS bridges in uncertain world. Focus on relationships over rivalry, substance over mere statements, and people over politics are the pillars of New Delhi's approach. Earlier report (2026-09-11 10:07): As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit this weekend, it is seeking to build bridges in an uncertain world by bolstering multilateral ties with a focus on development-oriented, people-centric approaches. The summit comes as the world is grappling with the consequences of the ongoing US-Iran war, which has led to the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil trade route, and pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel. The war has also had a significant impact on trade and financial transactions between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, with the UAE suspending all dealings with Iran in August. India's approach to the summit is centered around relationships over rivalry, substance over mere statements, and people over politics, according to an Indian official. The BRICS bloc's members, including India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, will meet on September 12 to discuss global governance and multilateralism. Saudi Arabia, a full member since January 2024, will attend the summit for the first time as a member state. India considers BRICS a complementary forum in a multipolar world, alongside its participation in other global forums such as the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and Quad. Under India's chairship, BRICS reaffirms its commitment to reforming global governance and strengthening multilateralism. The summit is also seen as an opportunity for India to amplify the voice of the Global South at the forum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of the summit, saying that leaders will gather to engage in positive and meaningful discussions on various issues and aspirations for global welfare. In a statement, Modi said that one should converse only with the virtuous, act in concert only with the virtuous, engage in debate and friendship only with the virtuous, and nothing whatsoever with the unvirtuous. The summit will feature heads of state and government from the BRICS member countries, as well as representatives from other participating countries. The BRICS Summit has become a significant platform for India to promote its vision for a multipolar world order, where all nations have a say and can work together to achieve common goals. The summit is expected to be a delicate balancing act for India, given the complex relationships with its partner countries, particularly the UAE and Iran.