What does the BRICS India logo mean? Decoding its lotus and ‘Namaste’

The BRICS Summit 2026 is underway in New Delhi, bringing leaders of the expanded grouping together for discussions on cooperation, development and global issues. As India hosts the summit, one of the prominent visual elements associated with the event is its colourful BRICS India logo.

The logo features a lotus-like design with a "Namaste" motif at its centre. It was selected through a public design contest and unveiled by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on January 13 this year.

Lotus and Namaste form the centrepiece

The design brings together elements associated with Indian culture and the broader BRICS grouping.

At the heart of the logo is a representation of the traditional Indian "Namaste" greeting. The gesture reflects warmth, inclusivity, respect and hospitality, while also conveying the idea of countries coming together through cooperation.

The central form of the logo draws from the lotus, India's national flower. The flower is associated with resilience and harmony, reflecting the themes that the logo seeks to convey.

Around the centre are brightly coloured petals representing the colours of the BRICS member countries. The combination is meant to highlight diversity and equality while portraying the collective strength and unity of the expanded grouping.

The overall design brings together Indian cultural symbolism with the wider BRICS themes of cooperation, sustainable development and global harmony.

Modi's packed schedule at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold several meetings with visiting leaders as the summit gets underway in the capital.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Delhi after midnight on Friday, is among the key leaders attending the summit. Modi is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin on Friday.

The prime minister is also set to meet UN Secretary General António Guterres, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Delhi under tight security

The summit has also led to heightened security arrangements across the capital. Nearly 30,000 personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, have been deployed.

Anti-drone systems have been installed at around 14 strategic locations, including Bharat Mandapam and hotels where foreign dignitaries are staying. The systems will monitor airspace along key routes linking the airports, hotels and summit venue.