BRICS Summit 2026 LIVE Updates: Putin, Pezeshkian Highlight Issue Of Sanctions At BRICS Business Forum

BRICS Summit 2026: India's Digital Payments and Trade Initiatives Take Center Stage. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has called on BRICS member countries to link their payment systems, encourage trade in local currencies, and make digital trade more accessible globally. India has taken significant initiatives in laying out a digital public infrastructure, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) crossing over 250 billion transactions a year. UPI is now accepted in 11 countries, and Goyal urged BRICS member countries and partner countries to build together for the future of emerging technologies. The call comes against the backdrop of growing global economic uncertainties, including the Russia-Ukraine war, US-Iran conflict, and the Trump administration's tariff policies. Commuters in parts of Delhi reported mixed experiences with traffic restrictions for the BRICS Summit, with some forced to walk and others enjoying a holiday-like atmosphere. Social media was flooded with reactions to the traffic arrangements, reflecting the mixed impact of the restrictions across different parts of the city. The BRICS Summit is being hosted by India from September 12 to 13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the International Industrial Trade Fair on the sidelines of the summit, marking a significant bilateral meeting. The Indian and Russian governments discussed boosting bilateral trade to $100 billion and resolving regional stability amid the Middle East crisis. PM Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are set to hold a bilateral meeting shortly. India is likely to push for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Middle East crisis and secure safe passage for vessels carrying energy supplies.