What we know
- India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, according to Online Khabar English.
- Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other partner countries attended the summit.
- BRICS represents more than half of the world's population and nearly 40 percent of global GDP.
- Online Khabar English reported that Nepal was not included in the outreach segment of this year's summit.
What this means if you are travelling
- This development concerns diplomatic relations and does not have any direct impact on current travel plans or trekking activities within Nepal.
- Travellers in Nepal or those with upcoming trips can proceed as planned, as access to trekking routes and adventure activities remains unaffected.
- The absence from the summit outreach does not alter visa requirements, flight schedules, or ground transportation for foreign visitors.
- Mantra Mountain advises checking official government travel advisories for any broader updates, though none are indicated by this news.
The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi, India, on September 12 and 13. According to Online Khabar English, leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with newer members and partner countries, gathered under the theme of Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. This event brought together representatives from countries that collectively account for over half of the global population and nearly 40 percent of the world’s GDP.
Nepal's Absence from the Summit Outreach
Online Khabar English highlighted that while India hosted this significant international gathering in the region, Nepal was not among the countries invited to the outreach session. This marks a change from the 2016 BRICS summit, which India also hosted in Goa. On that occasion, India extended invitations to BIMSTEC country leaders, including Nepal, to participate in a special outreach meeting alongside the BRICS leaders.
During the 2016 summit, the then Nepali prime minister travelled to Goa to attend, providing an opportunity for Nepal to engage directly with leaders of major emerging economies. However, for the recent September 12 and 13 summit in Delhi, India chose a different guest list for its outreach segment, and Nepal was not included this time.
Historical Context of BRICS Engagement
- BRICS began as an acronym for four rapidly developing economies, evolving over time into a significant platform.
- It now serves as a forum where countries outside the traditional Western-led systems discuss critical global issues.
- Topics of discussion include trade, technology, development finance, and international regulations that impact daily lives.
- The group has expanded to include new full members and an increasing number of partner countries.
Implications for Travellers in Nepal
For foreign travellers currently in Nepal or those planning trips, this news has no direct bearing on their travel arrangements or experiences. The absence of Nepal from the BRICS summit outreach is a matter of international diplomacy and does not affect the safety, accessibility, or operations of trekking routes, adventure activities, or other tourist services.
Visitors can continue with their planned itineraries, whether they involve trekking in the Everest or Annapurna regions, enjoying adventure activities in Pokhara, or exploring other parts of Nepal. There are no reported changes to travel advisories, visa procedures, or border crossings related to this diplomatic event. Mantra Mountain encourages all travellers to stay informed through official government channels for any general travel advice, though no such updates are linked to this specific development.
Significance of International Gatherings for Nepal
Online Khabar English noted that major international gatherings like the BRICS Summit are important for countries, even those not full members. Such events provide opportunities for dialogue, visibility, and for nations to voice their concerns directly to global leaders. The summit's proximity to Nepal, hosted by a neighbouring country with shared cultural ties, underscores its regional significance.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
Was Nepal invited to the recent BRICS Summit in Delhi?
No, Nepal was not included in the guest list for the outreach segment of the 18th BRICS Summit, which India hosted in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, according to Online Khabar English.
How does this affect my trekking trip to Nepal?
This diplomatic development has no direct impact on travel or trekking activities in Nepal. Your planned trips, including trekking routes and adventure activities, remain unaffected. There are no changes to travel advisories or operational aspects for tourists.
Has Nepal attended BRICS outreach meetings before?
Yes, Nepal has participated in BRICS outreach meetings previously. When India hosted the BRICS Summit in Goa in 2016, leaders of BIMSTEC countries, including Nepal, were invited to a special outreach session, as reported by Online Khabar English.
What is the BRICS Summit?
The BRICS Summit is a gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and other partner countries. It serves as a platform for discussions on global issues such as trade, technology, and development finance, representing a significant portion of the world's population and global GDP.