New Delhi — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has outlined a diplomatic roadmap for May 2026 centered on two major developments: India hosting the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five‑nation tour from May 15–20.
The MEA framed the plan as a dual-track approach designed to strengthen India’s leadership within the expanded BRICS grouping while advancing national priorities through targeted engagements in West Asia and Europe.
As host, New Delhi will convene senior BRICS ministers in the first major ministerial meeting since discussions alongside the 2025 UN General Assembly. The ministry said final delegation lists remain the prerogative of member states but confirmed visiting ministers are expected to call on Prime Minister Modi. Serving as BRICS chair in 2026, India reiterated that the grouping functions by consensus, and any further enlargement or policy changes would require unanimous agreement.
The MEA also said India is the host for Quad meetings this year and that several high‑level Quad sessions are planned, with details to be shared in due course.
Prime Minister Modi’s tour begins in the United Arab Emirates, where talks will emphasize energy security, strengthening fuel supply chains and the welfare of the estimated 4.5 million Indians in the Gulf. Discussions with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan are expected to prioritise those issues.
The European leg will focus on green technologies and the blue economy. Stops in Norway and Sweden are intended to deepen cooperation on technology and ocean sustainability; the visit to Oslo will include the 3rd India‑Nordic Summit and marks the first Indian head‑of‑government visit to Norway in 43 years. Meetings in the Netherlands and Italy will concentrate on semiconductor collaboration and on implementing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
On neighbouring-country ties, the MEA described relations with Nepal as multifaceted, noting a productive recent ministerial meeting in Mauritius after queries about a missed engagement with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Bilateral relations with Bangladesh were characterised as moving in a positive direction, supported by regular high‑level communication.
This summary is based on an MEA briefing and a syndicated ANI report republished by The Tribune; the newspaper notes the feed is published as received and does not assume responsibility for its accuracy.
