UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 11, 2026, during the 18th BRICS summit. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the summit, focused on current conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as reported by the office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. The two leaders discussed the impact of these conflicts on the global economy, particularly regarding access to food and fertiliser, according to the statement.

The UN chief reaffirmed the principle of freedom of navigation during the meeting, a stance that has been a consistent part of his diplomatic approach. The discussion also included an exchange of views on the growing danger of lethal autonomous weapons, a topic of increasing concern in global security circles. Additionally, the two leaders addressed the priorities of India's presidency of BRICS, emphasizing the need for multilateral institutions that reflect the realities of the 21st century.

India, a founding member of BRICS, is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in 2026, which will bring together leaders of member states and partner countries, as well as outreach invitees. Mr. Guterres, whose second five-year term as UN Secretary-General ends in December 2026, had previously visited India in February 2026 to attend the India–AI Impact Summit.

The meeting took place as part of the summit's Open Session on ‘Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth’ on September 13. The summit is expected to address a range of global challenges, with India's leadership in BRICS playing a central role.

The discussion on the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts highlights the ongoing tensions in these regions and their economic ramifications. The focus on food and fertiliser access underscores the broader implications of these conflicts on global supply chains and food security.

The topic of lethal autonomous weapons remains a contentious issue, with various nations and international bodies expressing concerns over their potential for misuse. The UN's stance on this issue, as reiterated by Mr. Guterres, aligns with broader international efforts to regulate such technologies.

Further developments, including the outcomes of the BRICS summit and the specific measures proposed by India and the UN, remain unclear. The meeting between Mr. Guterres and Mr. Modi represents a significant diplomatic engagement, but the full implications of their discussion will depend on subsequent actions and agreements.