Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said he expects the BRICS Summit in New Delhi to generate substantive discussions on issues of global importance, as heads of government from across the world arrived in the capital for the two-day meeting.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit from Saturday, with the grouping expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas including energy and food security, healthcare, disaster preparedness and the stability of critical supply networks.

In a post on X, Modi said the arrival of world leaders for the summit offered an opportunity for discussions aimed at advancing global welfare.

The meeting is being held at a time of heightened international uncertainty. The Russia-Ukraine war, continuing instability in West Asia, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and changes in US trade policy under President Donald Trump have added to concerns over global economic stability.

India is seeking to use the BRICS platform to encourage greater coordination among emerging economies and strengthen the group's role in responding to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Among the leaders attending the summit are Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung are also participating in the gathering.

PUTIN IN INDIA FOR THREE-DAY VISIT

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday for a three-day visit that includes his participation in the BRICS Summit and bilateral talks with Modi.

The two leaders are expected to review ways to expand cooperation across several sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defence, technology and pharmaceuticals. People-to-people ties are also likely to figure in their discussions.

Putin's visit is notable as it is his first physical participation in a BRICS summit outside Russia since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022.

The Russian president is travelling with a high-level delegation for the visit.

DELHI STEPS UP SECURITY

The arrival of multiple foreign leaders has triggered extensive security preparations across the national capital.

The BRICS Summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam, with around 15,000 Delhi Police personnel and 200 companies of paramilitary forces deployed for security. More than 500 CCTV cameras are also being used as part of the arrangements.

Traffic movement is expected to be affected temporarily, particularly along roads used by visiting dignitaries and their convoys.

Delhi Traffic Police has said there will not be a complete shutdown of the city. However, commuters may encounter short-duration stoppages, diversions and restrictions during VVIP movements.

KHURSHID HIGHLIGHTS INDIA'S DIPLOMATIC ROLE

Former Union minister Salman Khurshid has described the summit as an important opportunity for India to strengthen its position in international diplomacy.

Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said the participation of leaders from the 11-member grouping, including India, China, Russia, Iran and South Africa, gives New Delhi a platform to engage with countries that often have competing interests.

He said India could play a role in encouraging dialogue, narrowing differences and reducing tensions between countries.

The summit is therefore expected to go beyond economic cooperation, with the broader geopolitical environment likely to shape discussions in New Delhi. For India, the gathering also provides an opportunity to push for greater coordination among emerging economies at a time when conflicts, trade tensions and disruptions to global supply chains are reshaping international relations.