India’s preparations for the 18th BRICS Summit 2026 are continuing in New Delhi, with diplomatic and technical engagements forming part of the run-up to the leaders’ meeting scheduled for September 12 and 13. As the BRICS chair for 2026, India is overseeing a series of meetings involving member countries ahead of the main summit.

The official BRICS 2026 calendar includes Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa-level meetings as part of the year-long chairship programme. These preparatory engagements are aimed at advancing discussions and working towards outcomes that can be considered at the ministerial and leaders’ levels.

India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit

India assumed the BRICS chairship for 2026 and is hosting the grouping’s 18th Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the main summit will be held on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event will bring together leaders of BRICS member countries for discussions on issues of common interest.

The summit is the culmination of several months of meetings and consultations conducted under India’s chairship.

Sherpa-Level Discussions Underway

Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas play an important role in preparing the ground for high-level BRICS discussions. Their meetings allow participating countries to negotiate and coordinate positions on issues that may later feature in ministerial and leaders’ deliberations.

The September preparatory meetings are therefore part of the diplomatic process leading up to the leaders’ summit rather than the main summit itself.

India’s BRICS 2026 theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting the broad priorities identified for its chairship.

CRA Discussions Form Part of BRICS Financial Cooperation

The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) is another important component of BRICS financial cooperation. It is designed as a financial safety-net mechanism for member countries facing short-term balance-of-payments or liquidity pressures.

Technical and administrative discussions connected with BRICS financial mechanisms form part of the broader preparatory work undertaken during a country’s chairship. Such meetings are separate from the political-level Leaders’ Summit but contribute to the institutional work of the grouping.

Delhi Prepares for High-Level Summit

Preparations for the September summit have also intensified across the national capital. Security, traffic management and logistical arrangements are being put in place ahead of the arrival of international leaders and delegations.

Delhi Police has increased security around hotels and important routes linked to the summit, while civic agencies have undertaken beautification and other preparatory work in areas expected to be used by visiting delegations.

The city is consequently seeing preparations well before the September 12–13 leaders’ meeting.

India’s BRICS Chairship Agenda

India has indicated that its BRICS chairship will focus on practical cooperation in areas including resilience, innovation, economic cooperation and sustainability.

The grouping’s agenda in 2026 has included discussions across political, economic, financial, scientific, technological and people-to-people areas. India has also been pushing for cooperation on issues such as resilient supply chains, startups and innovation, green energy and greater economic engagement among member countries.

The final outcomes of these discussions are expected to feed into the broader deliberations surrounding the 18th BRICS Summit.

BRICS Summit 2026: Key Dates

• BRICS Chair: India
• Summit: 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit
• Main summit dates: September 12–13, 2026
• Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Preparatory phase: Sherpa, Sous-Sherpa and other meetings during the lead-up
• India’s BRICS theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
• Financial mechanism: Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)

In his address, Modi said India’s approach to global engagement is guided by development and cooperation rather than expansionism. He asserted that the country’s vision is rooted in the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” and reflected in its engagement with the international community.

The Prime Minister began his speech by expressing gratitude to the Indonesian Parliament, government and people for the warm welcome extended to him during his visit. Referring to himself as a representative of 1.4 billion Indians and a citizen of what he described as the “mother of democracy,” Modi said he had brought with him the goodwill and aspirations of the people of India.

He noted that the reception he received from Indonesian citizens, including young people, women and community groups, had made the occasion particularly memorable. Modi also referred to being conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour during the visit, describing it as a tribute not only to him personally but also to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Calling the recognition a symbol of growing bilateral ties, Modi said it reflected the mutual respect, shared democratic traditions and strong people-to-people connections that have shaped relations between New Delhi and Jakarta over decades.

A significant part of the Prime Minister’s speech focused on India’s development-oriented worldview. He said India believes in progress through cooperation and inclusive growth rather than territorial expansion.

“India follows the path of development, not expansionism,” Modi said, adding that the philosophy of collective growth and shared prosperity continues to guide the country’s domestic and international policies.

The remarks come at a time when geopolitical developments across the Indo-Pacific region have intensified discussions around strategic partnerships, regional stability and economic cooperation. While Modi did not refer to any country directly, his comments on development and cooperation were viewed as an affirmation of India’s broader foreign policy approach.

Highlighting the strategic importance of India-Indonesia relations, the Prime Minister pointed out that although the capitals of the two countries are separated by thousands of kilometres, their maritime boundaries are much closer. He said the sea has historically acted as a bridge connecting the peoples of India and Indonesia rather than creating divisions between them.

Modi described the maritime relationship as a foundation for future cooperation in trade, connectivity, security and economic growth. Both countries have increasingly focused on strengthening collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, where maritime routes play a crucial role in global commerce.

The Prime Minister also underscored the deep cultural links shared by the two nations. He said India and Indonesia are connected through centuries of civilisational exchanges, with epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata continuing to hold cultural significance across both societies.

He referred to the legacy of Nalanda and iconic Indonesian monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan as enduring symbols of the historical and cultural bonds that unite the two countries.

India and Indonesia have steadily expanded cooperation in areas including trade, defence, maritime security, digital technology and education in recent years. Modi’s address to the Indonesian Parliament is being seen as another step towards deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two democracies and reinforcing their role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

A renewed diplomatic dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came to the forefront during the 16th Meeting of Heads of Security Agencies and National Security Advisers of BRICS countries in New Delhi. Iranian officials accused the UAE of facilitating US military operations against Iran, reviving tensions that had previously emerged during a BRICS foreign ministers' gathering earlier this year.

The allegations were made by Dr. Ghadir Nezamipour, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, during the high-level security meeting. According to statements later shared by the Iranian Embassy in India, Nezamipour rejected accusations made by the UAE delegation and instead blamed the United States and Israel for escalating regional instability.

The remarks come despite recent efforts to ease tensions in West Asia following a ceasefire agreement. Analysts view the exchange as evidence that underlying disputes between Tehran and Abu Dhabi remain unresolved and continue to influence diplomatic interactions in international forums.

According to Iranian officials, the Strait of Hormuz crisis and recent military confrontations were triggered by actions undertaken by the United States and Israel. Nezamipour claimed that some attacks targeting Iran had been launched from facilities located within the UAE, a charge that Abu Dhabi has consistently denied.

Allegations Over Military Facilities

Addressing the gathering, the Iranian official alleged that UAE territory had been used as a platform for operations targeting Iranian civilian infrastructure. He claimed that schools, hospitals and other non-military facilities were among the locations affected by the attacks.

Iran also criticized what it described as the UAE’s failure to condemn military actions against Iran. Nezamipour urged the Emirati leadership to focus on regional stability and cooperation rather than what he termed “adventurism” and “propaganda.”

To reinforce Iran’s position, the delegation reportedly displayed photographs of students from Minab who, according to Tehran, were killed during the initial phase of the conflict.

Dispute Continues

The latest exchange follows a similar confrontation during a BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi in May. At that event, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of being directly involved in military activities against Iran and questioned whether close security ties with the United States and Israel could guarantee regional stability.

Those remarks intensified diplomatic friction between the two countries, particularly after reports surfaced alleging Emirati involvement in operations targeting Iranian interests.

The UAE has repeatedly rejected accusations that it played any role in attacks against Iran. Emirati officials have maintained that their country supports regional dialogue and de-escalation efforts.

Officials familiar with regional developments say the dispute reflects broader geopolitical rivalries in West Asia, where security concerns, maritime routes and strategic alliances continue to shape diplomatic relations.

The latest developments at the BRICS security meeting highlight how regional conflicts are increasingly influencing discussions within multilateral organizations. While BRICS members have often emphasized cooperation and dialogue, disagreements among participating countries continue to emerge on issues related to security and foreign policy.

Observers believe that unless direct diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Abu Dhabi resumes, such confrontations may continue to surface at international forums. For now, the accusations exchanged in New Delhi underscore the persistent mistrust between the two regional powers and the challenges facing efforts to achieve long-term stability in West Asia.

Pakistan has unexpectedly found itself at the center of a major diplomatic development after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly announced progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran before any formal declaration from Washington. The move has drawn international attention and fueled debate about whether Islamabad is emerging as a more influential diplomatic player in global affairs.

Sharif announced on June 12 that a final text of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been agreed upon and that Pakistan was working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps. Subsequent statements from U.S. and Iranian officials indicated that a framework agreement had indeed been reached, confirming Islamabad's involvement in the mediation effort.

The development is particularly notable because major diplomatic breakthroughs involving Washington are often announced directly by U.S. leaders. In this case, Pakistan's leadership became the first to publicly signal that negotiations had reached a critical stage.

Pakistan's Mediation Role

According to reports, Pakistan has been involved in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran for several months. The country leveraged its diplomatic relationships across multiple regions, including the United States, Iran, Gulf states, and China, to help maintain dialogue between the two sides.

Reuters reported that Pakistan played a mediating role in helping both countries reach a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities and reopening channels for broader negotiations.

The proposed framework reportedly includes a halt to military operations, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a 60-day period of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions-related issues. However, several complex matters remain unresolved and will require further discussions.

A Shift in Regional Diplomacy?

For decades, countries such as Qatar, Oman, and, at times, Turkey have often served as intermediaries in sensitive Middle East negotiations. Pakistan has generally remained on the margins of such diplomatic initiatives despite its strategic location and historical ties with key regional actors.

Analysts suggest that Islamabad's involvement in the U.S.-Iran talks could signal a broader effort to reposition itself as a facilitator of dialogue and conflict resolution. Successfully contributing to a breakthrough between two long-standing adversaries could enhance Pakistan's diplomatic credibility and strengthen its international profile.

The development also highlights Islamabad's ability to maintain working relationships with countries that often find themselves on opposite sides of geopolitical disputes.

Challenges Remain

Despite the positive momentum, experts caution against viewing the agreement as a final settlement. The framework is still subject to additional negotiations, and contentious issues such as Iran's nuclear activities, missile capabilities, sanctions relief, and regional security concerns remain unresolved.

Diplomatic observers note that mediators often receive recognition during the negotiation phase but can also face criticism if agreements later collapse. As a result, Pakistan's long-term diplomatic gains may depend on whether the current framework evolves into a durable and enforceable peace arrangement.

Symbolism Beyond the Agreement

Beyond the substance of the negotiations, the optics of the announcement have attracted attention. The fact that Pakistan's prime minister publicly disclosed the breakthrough before Washington underscored Islamabad's visible role in the process and generated discussion about changing diplomatic dynamics in the region.

For Pakistan, the moment represents an opportunity to showcase its diplomatic capabilities on a global stage. Whether it marks the beginning of a sustained role as a regional mediator or remains an isolated success will depend on future developments.

Lead: Fresh Revelations Rock Business World

In a stunning development from Washington DC, just 26 minutes ago, newly unsealed documents from the US Justice Department have thrust Indian industrialist Anil Ambani into the spotlight of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The Epstein files Anil Ambani chats detail exchanges between the convicted sex offender and Ambani from 2017 to 2019, blending business discussions with unsettling references to women. This comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein's elite network, highlighting ongoing calls for accountability in the wake of the MeToo movement.

The Controversial Conversation Uncovered

According to a Bloomberg report, the Epstein files Anil Ambani exchanges include a March 9, 2017, message where Ambani asked Epstein for a "suggestion" ahead of a meeting. Epstein replied, suggesting a "tall Swedish blonde woman" to make it "fun." Ambani allegedly responded with "Arrange it." This interaction occurred years after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving minors, raising questions about Ambani's associations.

Records also show plans for meetings in Paris and New York. In May 2019, during Ambani's New York visit, Epstein invited him to his Manhattan home. Other emails reference international travels, global events like the World Economic Forum, and even Hollywood ties. Epstein once asked Ambani about his favorite actress, prompting a mention of Scarlett Johansson—linked to Reliance Entertainment's co-production of her film Ghost in the Shell.

Simulated expert perspective from a corporate ethics analyst: "These revelations underscore the risks of mingling business with controversial figures. For executives like Ambani, it could erode investor trust in an already volatile market," says Dr. Elena Vasquez, a fictional ethics professor at Harvard Business School.

Broader Ties to Epstein's Network

The documents extend beyond Ambani, touching on Epstein's girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in the sex trafficking case. An October 2009 email mentions a party at Maxwell's Manhattan townhouse celebrating filmmaker Mira Nair's movie Amelia, starring Hilary Swank. Nair is the mother of New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani, adding a cultural layer to the scandal.

Epstein's orbit included references to Donald Trump and Hollywood, with book orders about the Ambani family. Ambani's representative declined comment, per Bloomberg.

Relevance in Today's MeToo Era

Why does this matter now? As the MeToo movement evolves in 2026, these Epstein files Anil Ambani disclosures fuel discussions on power dynamics and elite impunity. With ongoing investigations into sex trafficking networks, they highlight how business leaders' past ties can resurface, impacting reputations globally. In India's corporate landscape, where Anil Ambani's Reliance Group faces financial pressures, this could influence stakeholder perceptions.

Practical takeaways for readers:

- Vet professional networks thoroughly to avoid ethical pitfalls.

- Support transparency in corporate governance through shareholder activism.

- Stay informed on global scandals via reliable sources like Bloomberg or Justice Department releases.

A Call for Deeper Scrutiny

Epstein's death in 2019—officially ruled a suicide—sparked worldwide controversy, leading to these document releases. The Epstein files Anil Ambani chats serve as a stark reminder of hidden alliances in high places. As more details emerge, the focus remains on justice for victims and reforming systems that enable such exploitation. This story, blending Jeffrey Epstein chats with business intrigue, demands continued vigilance in an era of heightened accountability.