ع
Arab News reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to stand in for Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India. The Saudi Press Agency indicated that the minister will join discussions on pressing international matters and explore avenues to bolster multilateral ties among BRICS members partner states and invited participants. Saudi Arabia has engaged with the grouping in recent years first as a partner and later through full membership processes that expanded its global footprint. The two-day gathering opens with a focus on inclusive global governance according to details shared in diplomatic briefings.
The summit proceeds under the theme Building Resilience Innovation Cooperation and Sustainability a framework that Indian officials outlined in advance of the sessions at Bharat Mandapam. Saudi Arabia joined the proceedings as an invited country even as the bloc has incorporated new members in recent cycles the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Faisal will convey the kingdom’s perspectives on economic cooperation and sustainable development priorities that align with national transformation goals. Preparations in the Indian capital included heightened security protocols around key venues as noted in coverage from The Tribune.
BRICS now brings together Brazil China Egypt Ethiopia India Indonesia Iran Russia South Africa the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia a composition detailed in updates from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. A summary published by Channels Television placed the expanded group’s reach at roughly 49 percent of the global population and 40 percent of worldwide GDP underscoring its growing economic weight. The current chairship held by India emphasizes development finance technology trade and cultural exchanges as central pillars for the meetings. These elements build directly on outcomes from the previous summit in Brazil.
Arrivals on the same day included Bahrain Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as documented by ANI and distributed through The Tribune. The staggered schedule of dignitaries also featured leaders from several Global South nations and heads of international bodies such as the WHO and WTO according to listings compiled by Mathrubhumi English. Such high-level participation highlights the platform’s role in amplifying voices from emerging economies. Prince Faisal’s delegation follows established patterns of Saudi involvement in prior BRICS ministerial dialogues.
India’s assumption of the 2026 chairship has directed attention toward practical steps in innovation and sustainability the Ministry of External Affairs stated in its event overview. The gathering provides an opportunity for bilateral engagements on the margins including talks that could address regional stability and economic partnerships. Saudi officials have previously stressed the value of BRICS as a forum for constructive dialogue with developing countries a point reiterated in past Saudi Press Agency releases. Additional context from Hindustan Times coverage noted that the summit schedule incorporates exhibitions and ceremonial events to foster collaboration among attendees.
