Bhopal/New Delhi May 14, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday briefly attended the BRIC summit gathering before departing on a five-nation tour. The visit was seen by many delegates as symbolic. It signalled that New Delhi wants to remain actively engaged in global diplomacy even as geopolitical tensions continue to rise. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed delegates in New Delhi including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. China was represented by its ambassador as the Chinese foreign minister could not attend due to preparations linked to the scheduled China visit of US President Donald Trump. The corridors of the summit venue reflected the complexity of current global politics. Countries with competing interests sat across the same table. Nations aligned differently on the West Asia conflict still exchanged handshakes and held closed-door consultations.

Diplomatic observers say that is precisely where India sees an opportunity; India assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, taking over from Brazil. This is the fourth time India is leading the grouping after earlier presidencies in 2012, 2016 and 2021. But officials believe this year’s chairship comes with far greater geopolitical weight. Agency reports quoted Jaishankar as saying that India, as the current Chair, has been working towards a “more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework” through sustained engagement with partner countries. He said discussions were underway on institutional reforms and the integration of new members into the grouping. “Promoting a more inclusive and collaborative BRICS framework, we, as the Chair, have been engaging with Partner countries as well,” Jaishankar said. He added that India had already hosted more than 80 BRICS meetings involving member nations since assuming the chairship earlier this year. According to him, consensus remains central to the functioning of BRICS and newer members must align with the grouping’s shared principles and positions on key global issues. The message from New Delhi was clear. India wants BRICS to evolve beyond symbolism into a stronger platform representing emerging economies and the Global South.

Only a few years ago, India was largely viewed through the lens of economic growth and market potential. Today, diplomats increasingly see New Delhi as a country trying to shape geopolitical conversations. The capital had hosted the G-7 Summit in 2024. But many analysts believe the current BRICS meeting carries deeper diplomatic significance because it comes during an active regional conflict and rising global polarisation. For ordinary people watching the visuals from Delhi, one image stood out. Even in a deeply divided world, rival nations still arrived at the same table to talk.

That remains diplomacy’s strongest argument; For India, however, the balancing act will not be easy. Maintaining ties with Russia while expanding relations with the West, engaging China while supporting stability in West Asia, and speaking for the Global South without alienating major powers will require careful navigation. Yet the ongoing meeting in Delhi suggests that India is no longer satisfied being only part of the global conversation. It wants to help shape them. The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, being held from May 14 to 15, is part of wider consultations aimed at strengthening coordination among member states on global economic governance, development priorities, and geopolitical challenges. This marks the fourth time India has held the presidency of BRICS, having previously hosted summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia has sharply divided international opinion. Energy security worries are growing. Strategic alliances are shifting. Global powers are recalibrating their positions almost every week. Against this backdrop, India appears to be testing a larger diplomatic role for itself. The summit assumed significance not merely because of the participating countries, but because of the timing. Many countries are struggling to balance strategic interests, energy security and diplomatic positioning. In such a situation, India is trying to project itself as a nation capable of engaging with all sides. Diplomatic observers believe New Delhi is gradually positioning itself as a bridge between the East and the West, while also strengthening ties with nations of the Global South. India’s approach has largely focused on dialogue, stability and strategic balance rather than taking extreme positions.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar welcomed the visiting foreign ministers and senior representatives at Bharat Mandapam ahead of the meeting. EAM Jaishankar welcomed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who represented China in place of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos Hessebon, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar.