The 18th BRICS Summit has commenced in New Delhi, India, with authorities stepping up security across the capital as world leaders gather for the two-day meeting.
About 30,000 security personnel, including 15,000 police officers, have been deployed to protect delegates and manage movement around key areas of the city.
Authorities also closed government offices and schools on Friday and barricaded 35 major roads in New Delhi as part of measures to ease traffic and strengthen security.
Hotels hosting visiting leaders have been placed under close surveillance, while anti-drone systems have been installed to prevent unauthorised flights over restricted areas.
Several world leaders arrived in New Delhi ahead of the summit, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Xi’s arrival marks his first visit to India in more than seven years.
Nigeria is represented at the summit by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is leading the country’s delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The Nigerian delegation includes Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.
Shettima is expected to participate in discussions on global governance, economic growth, resilience, innovation and sustainable development.
He will also hold bilateral meetings focused on strengthening Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic relations, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
The summit is being held under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The meeting comes against the backdrop of major global conflicts, including the war between Russia and Ukraine and heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
BRICS has continued to push for greater cooperation among emerging economies and a more balanced global system.
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025 and has used the platform to deepen cooperation with major emerging economies and strengthen South-South relations.
A closed-door session involving core BRICS members is scheduled for Saturday, while partner countries and other invited nations are expected to participate in a broader session on Sunday.
