NEW DELHI, May 12 (ANI) — India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday outlined an ambitious diplomatic agenda for May 2026, highlighting New Delhi’s role as host of the upcoming BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-nation tour beginning May 15.
The ministry described the engagements as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening India’s leadership role within the expanded BRICS grouping while advancing national interests through key diplomatic engagements across West Asia and Europe.
New Delhi is set to host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on May 14 and 15, marking the first major ministerial-level gathering of the bloc since the 2025 discussions held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The ministry said the final list of delegations remains the prerogative of member states but confirmed that visiting foreign ministers are expected to call on Modi during their stay in India.
Addressing the future direction of BRICS, the ministry reiterated that the grouping functions strictly on the basis of consensus. It said any future expansion or policy changes following recent rounds of enlargement would require unanimous agreement among member nations.
The ministry also commented on the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, stating that India, as the current host, would conduct several meetings during the year, including high-level engagements.
Modi’s five-nation tour from May 15 to 20 will include visits to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
According to the ministry, the first leg of the visit to the UAE will focus heavily on energy security and strengthening fuel supply chains amid ongoing regional challenges.
During the visit, Modi is expected to hold discussions with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and address issues concerning the welfare of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf nation.
The European segment of the trip will focus on green technologies, innovation, and economic cooperation.
In Norway and Sweden, discussions are expected to center on technological collaboration and the blue economy. Modi’s visit to Oslo for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit will mark the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years.
In the Netherlands and Italy, talks are expected to focus on semiconductor cooperation and implementation of the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029.
The ministry also addressed regional diplomatic developments, describing India’s relationship with Nepal as “multifaceted.” It referred to recent ministerial-level interactions held in Mauritius as evidence of strong bilateral engagement despite reports regarding a missed meeting involving Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Regarding ties with Bangladesh, the ministry said bilateral relations continue to move in a “positive direction” through sustained high-level communication. (ANI)
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