Leaders of many countries including Russia, Iran, Brazil, South Africa arrived in Delhi for the BRICS summit

The arrival of the leaders of the member states to participate in the 18th BRICS summit hosted by India continues here and on Friday Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Medekian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). Zhou Jiayi arrived here. All the leaders participating in the two-day meeting were warmly welcomed at the airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the meeting. The theme of the meeting is "Establishing Strength, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainable Development". India is chairing BRICS for the fourth time and this meeting is also significant as this year the group also completes 20 years of existence. The top leaders and heads of state of the 11 BRICS member countries Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia are participating in the meeting. This is the first visit of Masoud Al-Medeshkian to India and he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening. The talks are considered important in view of the crisis in West Asia. India and Brazil have a long-standing friendship and commitment to enhance cooperation in the Global South, while India-Russia relations are based on a special and privileged strategic partnership. India and South Africa also have long and strong ties based on strategic partnership. Uruguayan Foreign Minister Mario Lubitcon is representing the Community of Latin American and Caribbean countries at the summit. India and the community are working together to strengthen trade, technology exchange and partnerships in the Global South. India and Uganda have friendly relations based on a shared history and growing partnership. The visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforces the BRICS countries' multilateralism and common commitment to constructive dialogue to promote peace, development and international cooperation. AIIB President Zhou Jiayi's visit will strengthen partnerships for sustainable development and expanding opportunities for emerging economies.