Shettima Jets To India As Nigeria Takes Centre Stage At BRICS Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima is set to travel to New Delhi, India, where he will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled to take place this weekend.

The summit, which is being hosted by India on September 12 and 13, is expected to bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries to discuss global economic cooperation, trade, investment, multilateral relations and other shared development priorities.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Shettima’s participation will provide Nigeria with an opportunity to strengthen its economic and diplomatic relationships with major international partners while advancing the country’s interests in areas such as trade, investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology and innovation.

The Presidency said Nigeria also intends to use the summit to deepen cooperation with countries of the Global South and explore opportunities capable of supporting the country’s economic development and diversification agenda.

While in New Delhi, Shettima is expected to participate in plenary and high-level sessions alongside leaders and representatives of BRICS member and partner countries. He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior officials from participating nations to discuss areas of mutual interest and opportunities for stronger economic and diplomatic cooperation.

India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship is being guided by the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Discussions at the summit are expected to cover political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnerships, technology, food and energy security, global governance and people-to-people exchanges.

The 18th BRICS summit is taking place against the backdrop of heightened global tensions, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as growing debates over trade and the international economic order. The expanded BRICS grouping now includes 11 member countries, increasing its influence but also presenting challenges arising from differing political and foreign-policy interests among its members.

Nigeria has maintained its BRICS partnership as part of its broader engagement with emerging economies and the Global South. The Presidency said the country’s participation reflects the Tinubu administration’s efforts to expand Nigeria’s international economic partnerships, attract investment and create new markets for Nigerian products.

Particular attention is expected to be given to opportunities in agriculture, energy, solid minerals and other non-oil sectors as the Federal Government continues to pursue economic diversification.

Shettima’s participation will therefore place Nigeria at a major international platform where emerging economies are seeking greater cooperation and a stronger voice in global economic and governance discussions.