New Delhi, September 12: World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India under its 2026 chairship.
The visit comes as India hosts leaders and representatives of BRICS member countries for discussions on development, sustainability, innovation, technology, finance and cooperation among emerging economies.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the summit in New Delhi. The two leaders discussed the need for multipolarity and reforms in multilateral institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, to reflect present global realities.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Guterres congratulated Prime Minister Modi on India assuming the BRICS chairship for the fourth time.
The two leaders also discussed ongoing conflicts, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric artificial intelligence, renewable energy and global food security. Prime Minister Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Guterres for the remainder of his tenure.
India has been seeking a greater role in global decision-making institutions. In July, it launched its campaign for election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2028–29 term.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while launching India’s candidature at the UN headquarters, highlighted India’s priorities, record in UN peacekeeping and commitment to multilateralism.
The Modi-Guterres meeting took place during the 18th BRICS Summit, being held under India’s 2026 chairship with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
BRICS serves as a platform for coordination among major emerging economies and discussions on development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The grouping currently comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.