Modi walks arm-in-arm with Putin, Pezeshkian and Ramaphosa at BRICS forum
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the red carpet at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi.
During the BRICS Business Forum 2026 held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accompanied Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa along the event's red carpet. The four leaders walked together, holding hands, in a visual display of the bloc's unity. The gathering reflects BRICS' growth to eleven members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Organizers note that the bloc now represents roughly half of the world’s population, 40 % of global GDP and over a quarter of international trade. The ceremony served both diplomatic and business purposes, bringing together heads of state and business leaders to discuss cooperation. The image of the leaders together was widely circulated as a symbol of the alliance’s expanding influence.
Why it matters
The joint appearance signals deepening political and economic cooperation among major emerging economies.
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