BRICS Day 1: PM Modi-Putin Meeting, New Delhi Declaration And Gala Dinner
Key diplomatic and ceremonial moments from BRICS Day 1.
The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 brought together leaders from the expanded grouping at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Saturday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding bilateral meetings, participating in key discussions and hosting a gala dinner. From candid interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping to diplomatic exchanges and cultural programmes, the day's photographs captured several significant moments from the summit.
One of the prominent moments featured Modi, Putin and Xi sharing a light-hearted exchange while shaking hands. The image offered a candid glimpse of the interaction between the leaders of India, Russia and China, three major members of the BRICS grouping. Another frame showed Modi alongside Putin during the session on "Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism", where leaders discussed issues concerning the international order and multilateral cooperation.
The summit also saw Modi and Xi discuss the India-China relationship, with the Prime Minister conveying that peace and tranquillity along the border remain an essential basis for the development of bilateral ties. The two leaders also welcomed what they described as steady progress in relations. During the summit, BRICS leaders expressed concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, while stressing the importance of maintaining nuclear safety and security even during armed conflicts.
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Beyond formal diplomatic sessions, the summit featured symbolic and cultural moments. BRICS leaders participated in a joint tree-planting activity at Bharat Mandapam, while they also visited the Bharat Innovates Exposition. The exhibition showcased 37 Indian deep-tech start-ups during the September 11–12 programme, providing the visiting leaders and delegates an opportunity to view developments in India's technology and innovation ecosystem.
The summit's opening day concluded with a gala dinner hosted by Modi for BRICS leaders and delegates at Bharat Mandapam. The menu featured Indian dishes including paneer lababdar, gucchi marmik and millet pulao, followed by shahtoot phirni. The dinner also featured a musical performance by an ensemble of artistes drawn largely from India and other BRICS member countries, adding a cultural dimension to the diplomatic gathering.
Together, the photographs from the first day reflected the breadth of the expanded BRICS summit — from high-level discussions on global governance and bilateral relations to innovation, environmental initiatives, food and cultural performances. With leaders engaging across formal and informal settings, the images offered a visual record of the diplomatic and cultural exchanges surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
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