Delhi streets are buzzing, but not just with the usual city chaos. India has rolled out the big guns for the BRICS Summit 2026, kicking off today. We're talking about nearly 30,000 security personnel, including 15,000 police officers, all on duty to make sure things run smoothly. You can imagine the scene: roads barricaded, government offices and schools shut down yesterday, and even major hotels where the VIPs are staying are under serious watch. They've even brought out anti-drone systems to keep any uninvited aerial visitors out.
This is the 18th BRICS Summit, and this year’s theme, “Building For Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” couldn't feel more critical. The world is a bit rocky right now, with wars brewing between Iran and the US, and Russia and Ukraine. BRICS itself has been pushing for a more balanced global playing field, tired of what they see as a system that mostly benefits Western economies. So, the leaders gathered here aren't just here for tea and biscuits; they've got serious issues to hash out.
We're seeing heavy hitters arrive. Chinese President Xi Jinping landed early this morning, his first trip to India in over seven years. He's not alone; Russia's President Vladimir Putin, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian are all in town. Even the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, made the trip. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu sent his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, to lead the delegation.
He arrived yesterday, accompanied by key ministers like Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, and Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani.
The summit is structured a bit differently. Today, the core BRICS members will have a closed-door session focusing on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism.” Then, tomorrow, it's the bigger show: a session with partner countries, and Nigeria is one of them. Other partners include Belarus, Bolivia, and Uganda. This broader session is where discussions on inclusive global growth, resilience, innovation, and sustainable development will really heat up.
For Nigeria, this isn't just another international meeting. The country became a BRICS partner country back in January 2025. Since then, they've been using the platform to boost South-South cooperation and strengthen ties with other major emerging economies. Vice President Shettima will be busy, not just in the main discussions but also in bilateral meetings. The goal?
To advance Nigeria's economic and diplomatic interests, especially in trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and industrial development. You can bet they'll be looking for opportunities that benefit us all. Nigeria’s delegation is also set to participate in the BRICS open session and other side events throughout the summit.