New Delhi, September 13, 2026 - Leaders of the BRICS countries joined hands for a symbolic tree-planting ceremony during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, planting saplings of the Great Banyan tree at the Bharat Mandapam complex.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hosting the summit under India’s 2026 BRICS chairship, highlighted the significance of the ceremony, describing the banyan tree as a fitting symbol of what BRICS represents.
“Planted a banyan tree with fellow BRICS leaders in Delhi. It is a fitting symbol of what BRICS stands for…deep roots, growing strength and coming together for a shared future. May our partnership continue to grow in the times to come,” Modi said in a message following the ceremony.
The tree-planting brought an environmental and symbolic dimension to a summit otherwise focused on global governance, economic cooperation, development, multilateralism and the challenges facing the Global South.
According to reports, Modi and nine other BRICS leaders planted a total of 10 Great Banyan saplings during the ceremony. The initiative was also linked to India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant4Mother) campaign and reflected the sustainability component of India’s BRICS 2026 theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The banyan, known for its extensive branches and aerial roots that develop into additional trunks, offers a powerful metaphor for a partnership seeking to expand while maintaining strong foundations. Its interconnected growth also resonates with the broader BRICS vision of cooperation among emerging economies and developing countries.
The ceremony came as BRICS continues to evolve as an increasingly influential platform for the Global South. The New Delhi Summit has placed particular emphasis on resilience, innovation, sustainable development, stronger multilateral cooperation and a greater voice for developing countries in global decision-making.
For the environmental community, the gesture carries an additional message: international partnerships must translate commitments to sustainability into practical action. A tree planted at a high-level summit may be symbolic, but its lasting value will ultimately depend on whether the spirit represented by the planting grows into stronger cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development and environmental resilience.
Like the banyan itself, BRICS is seeking to grow through expanding connections and deeper roots. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that this growing partnership delivers meaningful and sustainable benefits for people, communities and the planet.
Ecosphere News
Environment • Development • Climate • Sustainability
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