New Delhi: The 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi was dominated by discussions on terrorism, trade, West Asia, technology and global governance. But away from the formal sessions, the two-day gathering also produced several memorable moments — some diplomatic, some cultural and some simply unexpected.
Modi-Putin’s car ride
One of the most striking visuals of the summit was Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelling together in the same car to Bharat Mandapam. The image quickly became one of the most widely shared visuals from the summit.
The car ride followed their bilateral meeting, during which the two leaders discussed India-Russia relations and a range of regional and global issues.
Anwar Ibrahim channels Kishore Kumar
The gala dinner hosted by Modi produced an unexpected Bollywood moment when Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sang Kishore Kumar’s classic “Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat” from the 1965 film Teen Devian.
The performance was widely shared on social media, adding a distinctly Indian cultural touch to an evening otherwise devoted to diplomacy.
A menu that told India’s food story
The gala dinner also offered visiting leaders a tour of Indian cuisine.
The menu, seen by Tehelka, featured Khandvi Mille-Feuille and Khumb Galouti as starters. The main course included Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik, Carrot Bean Poriyal, Thakkali Belle Saaru, Millet Pulao and Beetroot Raita, along with assorted Indian breads.
Desserts included Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni.
The menu moved across India’s culinary traditions — from khandvi and mushroom kebabs to Himalayan morels, South Indian preparations and millet-based pulao, before ending with two distinctly Indian desserts.
Iran-UAE diplomacy on the sidelines
Perhaps the most consequential development away from the formal BRICS negotiations was the meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
According to the Abu Dhabi government, the two discussed regional and international developments and stressed the importance of easing tensions, promoting de-escalation and strengthening regional stability.
The meeting came against the backdrop of the wider West Asia conflict and strained regional ties.
Navarasa and the BRICS Symphony
The gala evening also featured “Navarasa — The Universe of Shared Emotions” and the BRICS Symphony — “One Rhythm, Many Cultures”.
The performance brought together musicians from BRICS member and partner countries, combining musical traditions from different countries with Indian classical dance traditions.
Delhi beyond Bharat Mandapam
The summit also gave visiting delegates a glimpse of Delhi outside the diplomatic circuit. Delegates and family members were reported visiting Connaught Place, Khan Market and Akshardham, while family members of some leaders visited cultural sites including the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
For two days, therefore, Delhi was not just a venue for negotiations over the global order. It was also a stage for car rides, Bollywood, Indian cuisine, music, culture and informal encounters — moments that gave a human dimension to a summit otherwise dominated by geopolitics.
