BRICS summit faces uncertainty over leaders’ attendance

Uncertainty continues to surround the participation of several key leaders as the 18th BRICS summit is set to begin in

Uncertainty continues to surround the participation of several key leaders as the 18th BRICS summit is set to begin in New Delhi, with only one day remaining before the two-day meeting.

Of the bloc’s 11 member countries, only three heads of state have so far formally confirmed their participation in the summit, according to officials familiar with the arrangements.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the President of the United Arab Emirates have informed the organisers that they will not attend the high-level meeting. Their absence is expected to affect the participation of some of the bloc’s major members.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, have agreed to attend the summit after initially remaining uncertain about their participation.

However, several other important leaders have yet to give final confirmation. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have not formally confirmed their attendance so far.

The uncertainty over the participation of several leaders comes as India prepares to host the BRICS summit in New Delhi. The two-day gathering is expected to provide a platform for member states to discuss global political and economic developments, trade, investment and cooperation among emerging economies.

The BRICS grouping has expanded significantly in recent years, bringing together major emerging economies from different regions. The participation of leaders from its member states is therefore closely watched for indications of the bloc’s future direction and priorities.

While Putin and Pezeshkian have now confirmed their participation, attention remains focused on whether the Chinese, Egyptian, Ethiopian and Indonesian leaders will join the summit in person.

The final attendance list is expected to become clearer as the summit approaches.