PM Modi hosts BRICS gala dinner with 160-artiste BRICS Symphony in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a gala dinner for leaders and delegates on the opening day of the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where a 160-member ensemble of artistes from India and other BRICS countries presented a cultural performance titled "BRICS Symphony".

The event, held on Thursday as India hosted the summit on September 12 and 13, featured Indian classical dance and traditional music alongside performances by musicians from other member countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other heads of state were among those present on the first day.

According to a person familiar with the matter, citing the official plan, Indian dancers performed Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak, representing different regions of the country, while musicians played traditional Indian instruments, joined by musicians from some of the other member countries of the grouping.

"A large group of artistes -- classical dancers and musicians, largely from India -- as well as musicians from various other member countries of BRICS, will showcase 'BRICS Symphony' during the gala dinner that the prime minister will host for the invited leaders on September 12, the day the Summit opens, at the Bharat Mandapam," the person said.

They added that the size of the ensemble would be 160, with Indian dancers and musicians forming the core of the troupe.

The cultural event was helmed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the cultural arm of the Ministry of External Affairs, and featured "BRICS Symphony – One Rhythm, Many Cultures", bringing together musicians from BRICS members and partner countries in a collaborative musical performance.

"Drawing on diverse musical traditions, the 'Symphony' seeks to create a shared artistic expression that reflects the diversity, cultural richness and spirit of togetherness of the BRICS family," an official said.

The performance showcased instruments from BRICS countries along with India’s classical dance traditions.

"The musical presentation is a symbol of the common bonds that the people of BRICS share connecting diverse civilisations. The 'BRICS Symphony' is expected to showcase the rich cultures and diverse civilisations of BRICS anchored in India's unique quality of being the land of cultural diversity," the official added.

BRICS, which began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.