UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, 2026. The two leaders discussed the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, emphasizing their impact on the global economy, particularly on food and fertilizer supplies.
The UN chief praised India’s close cooperation with the United Nations and reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation. He also raised concerns about the growing threat posed by lethal autonomous weapons, a topic that received particular attention during the exchange.
During the meeting, Guterres and Modi reviewed the priorities of India’s presidency of BRICS, stressing the need for multilateral institutions that reflect the realities of the 21st century. The discussion also touched on the broader agenda of the summit, which includes resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Guterres is scheduled to speak at the summit’s Open Session on September 13, titled “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth.” His visit to India follows a February trip to attend the India‑AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
India, a founding member of BRICS and the chair for 2026, will host the summit, bringing together leaders of member states, partner countries and outreach invitees. The UN Secretary‑General’s second five‑year term will conclude in December 2026.
