US expert says Trump’s shadow looms over BRICS summit hosted by India

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Source: नवभारत टाइम्स | Original Published At: 2026-09-11 15:02:48 UTC

The 18th BRICS summit is being hosted by India in Delhi, with leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attending.
US expert Michael Kugelman said Washington's influence is expected to shape the summit's joint statement, particularly amid the conflict involving Iran.
India is unlikely to support a direct criticism of the United States because it is in the final stage of a trade deal with Washington and hosts the summit.
Divergent positions among BRICS members, including the United Arab Emirates' relationship with Israel and US military bases in the Gulf, make a strong consensus statement difficult.
The article notes that BRICS expansion has increased the group's importance but also made consensus harder, while US President Donald Trump has criticized BRICS de-dollarization efforts.
The summit is expected to focus on strengthening economic cooperation and provide a platform for bilateral meetings.