BRICS Power Parade: Modi, Putin, Pezeshkian and Ramaphosa Strike a Stunning Frame

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared a striking moment with fellow BRICS leaders as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa joined him for a high-profile appearance at the BRICS Business Forum 2026 in New Delhi.

Modi was seen walking alongside the leaders on a red carpet, holding hands with them as they moved together. The highly visual moment offered a powerful snapshot of the growing political and economic ties within the expanded BRICS grouping.

The appearance came as India hosts the 2026 BRICS chairship, placing New Delhi at the centre of discussions over trade, investment, global economic governance and cooperation among emerging economies.

The BRICS grouping currently comprises 11 members — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The bloc has expanded significantly in recent years, increasing its geographical reach and economic weight.

Together, BRICS countries represent around 49.5 per cent of the world’s population, 40 per cent of global GDP and approximately 26 per cent of global trade, according to background information on India’s 2026 chairship.

Modi pushes stronger BRICS economic cooperation

Addressing the BRICS Business Forum, Modi called on member countries to convert their growing economic strength into greater investment, stronger commercial partnerships and increased opportunities for businesses across the bloc.

The Indian prime minister stressed the importance of secure maritime routes and uninterrupted supply chains for the expansion of global trade. He said freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers were essential to maintaining the smooth movement of goods across international markets.

“Global trade can only progress if sea lanes are secure, supply routes remain open, and seafarers are safe,” Modi said, while reiterating India’s support for freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers.

Modi also proposed a series of measures aimed at deepening economic integration among BRICS members. He called for the identification and resolution of the bloc’s 10 biggest trade barriers, potentially easing the movement of goods and services between member economies.

The prime minister further proposed helping 100 BRICS startups enter markets in other member countries every year and creating 1,000 new business partnerships annually.

BRICS expands beyond its original five

BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining the grouping later. The bloc was created to give major emerging economies a stronger collective voice in global institutions and international economic decision-making.

The grouping underwent a major expansion in 2024, when Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined. Indonesia became a member in 2025, further widening BRICS’ economic and geopolitical footprint.

The bloc also includes partner countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Against this backdrop, the image of Modi walking alongside Putin, Pezeshkian and Ramaphosa in New Delhi carries significance beyond its ceremonial appeal. It reflects the increasingly visible political presence of an expanded BRICS and India’s effort to use its chairship to push greater economic cooperation, business connectivity and collective influence among emerging economies.