BRICS Summit in New Delhi: India’s 18th BRICS Summit opens in Bharat Mandapam with leaders including Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian and Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed, as the bloc tries to stay united amid Ukraine and West Asia tensions. India–Ethiopia talks: On the sidelines, PM Modi met Abiy Ahmed at Hyderabad House, reviewing economic cooperation, defence and security, capacity building, and reaffirming Ethiopia’s role in reinforcing the Global South voice. India–UAE push: Modi also met Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on strengthening the India-UAE strategic partnership in trade and energy security as the UAE’s BRICS membership deepens logistics and investment links. Defence cooperation interest: Ethiopia and Malaysia signaled interest in stronger defence ties with India, including joint training and procurement discussions. Security and disruption in Delhi: Delhi Police arrested three people over alleged Singhu Border graffiti tied to a banned outfit, while security at the summit is heavily ramped up with thousands of personnel and dog squads; traffic curbs and possible rain add pressure for commuters. BRICS finance angle: Bank Indonesia urged BRICS members to expand local-currency payments and cross-border connectivity to reduce geopolitical and market shocks.