BRICS Summit In Delhi: Iranian President Interview, West Asia Tensions & Global Economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at Hyderabad House ahead of the BRICS Summit. Ethiopia, which joined the BRICS grouping in 2024, is engaging in talks aimed at boosting modern economic cooperation and strengthening traditional ties with India. Discussions highlight trade and investment opportunities, with 675 Indian companies registered in Ethiopia. The meeting reflects India's consistent push for greater representation of African nations and the Global South on international platforms. The official sessions of the BRICS Summit, scheduled to begin later in the day, focus on multilateralism, resilience, and an inclusive world order.

A bilateral meeting between India and China is scheduled on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The talks mark a significant development as the summit commemorates the 20th anniversary of the grouping, which includes 11 member countries and 10 partner nations. Chinese media noted that India and China speaking in one voice presents a positive momentum for the Global South. Despite existing border tensions and mistrust between the two major emerging economies, the bilateral engagement gains attention amidst international scrutiny, highlighting the role both nations could play in leading cooperation across the Global South platform.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi, prompting authorities to place the national capital under a multi-layer security cordon. Key venue Bharat Mandapam has been completely sanitised and secured by commandos from the National Security Guard and the Special Protection Group. Outside the venue, Delhi Police SWAT teams and special security units have been placed on high alert. Over 2,500 security personnel, including Central Armed Police Forces, Border Security Force, and Sashastra Seema Bal, are deployed across sensitive zones. Thirty-five designated VVIP routes connecting hotels to the venue are being monitored through specialised CCTV camera networks. Counter-drone systems, air defence measures, and cybersecurity teams have also been engaged under security operations to safeguard visiting world leaders and international delegations.

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to India Today in an exclusive interview amid ongoing West Asia conflict developments. The discussion addressed his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit in India, strategic ties including the Chabahar Port, and disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz affecting global trade. Pezeshkian also touched upon tensions involving the United States and Israel, the status of Mostafa Khamenei, and the regional geopolitical dynamics.