New Delhi, Sept. 12 (SANA)The 2026BRICSSummit began Saturday inNew Delhiwith leaders of 11 member states, including China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and others.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed a “people‑centered, humanity‑first” approach, highlighting resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability as priorities. He called for turning BRICS unity into tangible global results.

Discussions focus on economic and financial cooperation, expanding the New Development Bank, promoting payments in national currencies, and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.

The summit also addresses Middle East tensions, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that pushed oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel, alongside issues of food security, supply chains, technology, and climate impacts linked to El Niño.

BRICS, founded in 2006, now includes 11 countries after recent expansions, representing nearly half the world’s population and a major share of global output. Western states view the bloc as a potential challenger to the global balance of power, often clashing with U.S. positions.