BRICS
‘Hospitality on another level’: South African official stunned by India’s BRICS hosting
New Delhi/IBNS: India’s ability to host a global event like the BRICS Summit is “unparalleled”, South Africa’s Executive Director of BRICS Tourism, Thembisa Jimana, has said, praising the country’s hospitality and arrangements as world leaders gather in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit.
Speaking to ANI, Jimana said India’s hosting capabilities stood apart, recalling her experience of attending multiple BRICS Summits.
“I have attended multiple BRICS Summits, but the hospitality in India is on another level. From transport to language, people in India really understand hosting. There is warmth,” Jimana said.
“I was so impressed that India made a three-day holiday just for BRICS. It’s something that I am really learning from it,” she added.
South Africa-India ties
Jimana also highlighted the importance of ministerial and bilateral engagements between South Africa and India, saying the two countries’ efforts to strengthen cooperation were producing results, particularly in tourism and broader economic ties.
“We have ministers who have come to India to strengthen the bilateral relations. The collaboration and the bridge setup are working for South Africa and India,” she said.
Her comments come as leaders and senior representatives from BRICS member and partner countries arrive in New Delhi for the summit, which is being hosted by India under its 2026 chairship.
#WATCH | Delhi | At BRICS Summit 2026, Thembisa Jimana, Tourism Head and Executive Director, BRICS Tourism, South Africa, says, "We have ministers who have come to India to strengthen the bilateral relations. The collaboration and the bridge setup are working for South Africa and… pic.twitter.com/2XRJD2s8Xk
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2026
India hosts 18th BRICS Summit
The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under India’s chairship. India’s theme for its BRICS presidency is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with a focus on strengthening cooperation among emerging economies.
BRICS has expanded significantly in recent years and currently comprises 11 full members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Partner countries and outreach invitees are also participating in the New Delhi engagements.
The summit is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and disruptions to global trade and energy routes. Leaders are expected to discuss global governance and multilateralism, trade and investment, food and energy security, healthcare, disaster resilience, technology and critical supply chains.
Focus on trade, innovation and resilience
India’s BRICS agenda places particular emphasis on building resilience through cooperation in areas including agriculture, food and energy security, health, disaster-risk reduction and critical supply chains.
Economic cooperation is another major priority, with the grouping seeking to deepen intra-BRICS trade and investment while expanding collaboration in technology, innovation and connectivity. Key initiatives expected to feature include the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund, the BRICS Incubator Network and a logistics and supply-chain cooperation framework.
South Africa seeks stronger economic engagement
South Africa is also using the summit to advance its economic priorities, including increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment, promoting industrialisation and value addition, and attracting investment in African infrastructure.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in New Delhi on September 11 to participate in the summit. He is also scheduled to take part in the BRICS Business Forum and the India-South Africa Business Leadership Roundtable, with discussions expected to focus on trade, supply chains, agriculture, the digital economy and innovation.
The summit will conclude on September 13 with the leaders’ deliberations and the expected release of the New Delhi Declaration.
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