India is set to host the 2026 BRICS summit at Bharat Mandapam, a state-of-the-art venue located within the Pragati Maidan complex in Delhi. The 123-acre facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 2,700 crore, will serve as the hub for the annual gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit, which will take place this weekend, will bring together world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping to discuss pressing global issues.

The venue, opened in 2023, is designed to showcase India's capabilities in hosting international events. Its architecture draws inspiration from the conch shell, symbolizing consciousness and energy, while its interiors incorporate elements reflecting Indian civilization, including references to solar energy, the 'Zero to ISRO' journey, and the five elements of nature. A 27-foot Nataraja statue, weighing 18 tonnes and crafted from an eight-metal alloy, stands as a prominent feature of the complex, created by artisans from Tamil Nadu.

The summit will focus on global challenges such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East tensions, counter-terrorism policies, and the impact of artificial intelligence. Discussions on bilateral trade policies among BRICS nations are also expected. The summit hall, capable of accommodating delegates from over 150 countries, will host crucial bilateral and multilateral meetings, as well as special programs highlighting the bloc's two-decade-long journey and future direction.

Hall No. 1 will host the 'Bharat Innovates' program, showcasing India's technological advancements, while Hall No. 14 will be the venue for the BRICS Business Forum, featuring top industrialists and corporate representatives. The International Media Center, located in Hall No. 5, will serve as a hub for journalists from around the world, with NDTV operating a dedicated studio to provide live updates on the summit.

The summit's agenda and outcomes remain to be determined, with no further details available on the specific discussions or decisions expected to emerge from the event. The focus of the summit is expected to be on global cooperation and addressing shared challenges, though the exact nature of the agreements or statements remains unknown.