A striking moment of diplomacy unfolded at the BRICS Business Forum in Delhi as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen holding the hand of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The gesture wasn’t just ceremonial. Coming at a time when Iran faces escalating tensions with the United States and Israel, the display of bonhomie signalled India’s delicate balancing act in global politics.
The summit, hosted in Delhi on September 12, 2026, brought together leaders from emerging economies. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held talks with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, exploring potential investment opportunities between the two nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin made bold claims about BRICS economies, stating they now account for more than 40 percent of global GDP, contrasting sharply with what he called the ‘old leaders’ of the G7.
What does this gathering mean for the shifting global order? The forum has become more than a economic discussion platform. It’s emerging as a counterweight to Western dominated institutions, with heads from India, Iran and Russia captured together despite ongoing global crises.
The symbolism matters here. Modi’s visible warmth towards Pezeshkian, combined with bilateral meetings and strategic partnerships being forged, suggests the BRICS alliance is deepening beyond mere economics into diplomatic solidarity.
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