BRICS 2026: Delhi gets a pollution break with Putin, Xi, Pezeshkian in town; AQI falls to 62 — what cleaned the air?

The change is notable because the capital had recorded comparatively higher pollution levels earlier this week.

Delhi is welcoming several of the world's most prominent leaders this weekend as the BRICS Summit takes place in the capital. Amid the high-profile gathering, Delhi has also recorded a noticeable improvement in air quality.

At around 4 pm on September 12, Delhi's lowest AQI reading was recorded at 62, putting it in the moderate category, according to AQI.in.

The improvement in air quality comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders arrive in Delhi for the two-day summit.

Quick answers to key questions

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QUESTIONS

The improvement in Delhi's air quality, with an AQI of 62, was primarily due to recent rainfall and overcast skies from an active monsoon, which helped wash away suspended pollutants.

Rainfall enhances air quality by capturing dust and pollutants as raindrops fall, reducing the concentration of airborne particles in urban settings.

The BRICS Summit focused on global trade, energy security, conflict prevention, and the need for reform in global governance and financial institutions.

The BRICS Summit coincided with a period of unusually clean air for Delhi, influenced by favorable weather conditions, which helped create a more agreeable environment for the high-profile gathering.

The New Delhi Declaration emphasizes collective efforts for global governance reform, conflict prevention, and the rejection of unilateral economic sanctions, reflecting a commitment to cooperation among BRICS nations.

The change is notable because the capital had recorded comparatively higher pollution levels earlier this week. Delhi's official AQI was 133 on September 10, which was also in the moderate category. The reading had risen further to 155 during the early hours of Friday, September 11.

So, what has helped clear Delhi's notoriously polluted air? The answer largely lies in the weather conditions.

The capital has experienced rainfall and overcast skies in recent days as an active monsoon spell continues to influence the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted generally cloudy conditions accompanied by moderate rain in Delhi on September 12. The wet weather is also expected to persist over the coming days.

Rainfall can provide a temporary boost to air quality by washing some suspended pollutants out of the atmosphere. As raindrops move towards the ground, they can capture dust and other pollution particles present in the air.

Changes in wind patterns and atmospheric conditions can further aid the dispersion of pollutants, preventing them from accumulating near the surface.

The ongoing weather conditions are also linked to a broader monsoon system. A low-pressure area over the northwest and west-central Bay of Bengal is influencing rainfall across several parts of northern and central India, including Delhi.

For the BRICS Summit, the timing could hardly have been better. Whether by coincidence or good fortune, the two-day event has arrived during a relatively cleaner window for the capital as leaders gather to discuss global issues.

BRICS highlights

India is hosting the BRICS Summit this year at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12-13. The conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, along with global trade turbulence and energy security, are expected to dominate the two-day meeting of the 11-nation bloc.

The BRICS grouping on Saturday adopted a joint declaration with consensus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the adoption of the declaration at the end of the opening day's deliberations at the two-day India-hosted summit.

Prime Minister Modi was seen shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the conclusion of the inaugural session at the summit.

About the Author

Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.

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