UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to participate in BRICS Summit in India - The Hindu

**UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres to Attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi**

New Delhi – The United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres confirmed his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled for March 28‑29, 2024, in India’s capital. The invitation, extended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the bloc’s growing ambition to position itself as a counterweight to Western‑led institutions in global governance. Guterres’ presence is expected to deepen dialogue on multilateralism, climate action and sustainable development, themes that have dominated recent UN agendas and align with BRICS’ call for a more inclusive international order.

India, which will host the summit for the first time, has outlined a comprehensive agenda that seeks to transform the grouping into a “development engine” for its members. Key priorities include expanding intra‑BRICS trade, accelerating the use of national currencies in payments to reduce dependence on the dollar, establishing a joint artificial‑intelligence research hub, and coordinating reforms at the United Nations to reflect the demographic and economic weight of the Global South. Analysts note that these objectives dovetail with India’s own “Act East” and “Make in India” strategies, aiming to attract investment, foster technology transfer and secure a decisive voice in shaping global norms.

In preparation for the high‑profile event, Delhi authorities have announced diversions on more than 35 arterial roads, affecting traffic flow across the city. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena urged police forces to enforce “road ethics” and ensure smooth movement for delegates, security personnel and commuters alike. The Delhi Police, in coordination with municipal agencies, has deployed additional traffic personnel and set up real‑time monitoring centers to mitigate congestion. Officials stress that the temporary disruptions are a necessary trade‑off to guarantee the safety and logistical success of the summit, which is expected to draw heads of state, ministers and senior international officials.