Xi heads to India for BR
Chinese President Xi Jinping departed for New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in nearly seven years. He is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit, according to state-run media.
Xi’s delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Wang Yi, Foreign Minister and member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Diplomatic Engagement Amid Global Tensions
The visit occurs as part of ongoing efforts to stabilize relations between the two Asian powers, following a prolonged freeze after the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing last month, focusing on the boundary issue and steps to improve relations.
During the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks in August, both sides reached an eight-point consensus, agreeing to advance discussions on boundary delimitation and border management. The Modi-Xi meeting will likely be closely watched for indications of the future course of India-China relations.
BRICS Summit: A Platform for Cooperation
China Sets BRICS Agenda
A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry described the BRICS Summit as a key platform for collaboration among emerging markets and developing countries. Xi will address the summit, engaging in in-depth discussions with other leaders on major issues, including the current international situation and the development of BRICS mechanisms.
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He will present China’s initiatives and proposals, aiming to guide the high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation. China is committed to working with fellow BRICS countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The New Delhi summit is significant as it occurs amid the Iran-US conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war. China promotes a common, full, cooperative and sustainable security approach, advocating for the political resolution of conflicts through dialogue.
Expanding BRICS and India’s Role
Expanded Group Faces Global Tensions
BRICS, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, with Indonesia joining in 2025. As a founding member, India has held the BRICS chairmanship three times and assumed its fourth chairmanship on January 1 this year.
As the current chair, India will host the summit on September 12-13 in New Delhi. After this summit, China will take over the rotating chair.
The Modi-Xi meeting is a high-profile diplomatic engagement, with implications for both bilateral relations and BRICS cooperation in a volatile global situation. Xi’s visit follows his previous trips to India in 2019 for an informal summit in Mamallapuram, 2016 for the BRICS Summit in Goa, and 2014 for extensive talks with Modi during their first terms.
The summit’s outcomes will shape the future of BRICS as it handles an evolving global order. With expanded membership, the group aims to strengthen its influence on international affairs. The September 12-13 meetings in New Delhi will be key in defining this new chapter.
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China’s emphasis on a common, full, cooperative and sustainable security approach reflects its commitment to resolving global conflicts through diplomacy. This stance is expected to feature prominently in Xi’s address, as BRICS seeks to position itself as a key player in international peace efforts.
India’s role as the current chair shows its leadership within the group. The country’s efforts to support cooperation among diverse members will be key in achieving BRICS’ goals.
The Modi-Xi meeting is not just a bilateral engagement but a symbol of BRICS’ potential to bridge differences and promote collective action.
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi is a sign of the group’s resilience and ambition. With global tensions high, the summit’s focus on cooperation and dialogue offers a pathway toward stability. The world will watch as BRICS charts its course.
The expanded membership brings new perspectives and challenges. Countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran add geopolitical diversity, enriching BRICS’ discussions. Indonesia’s upcoming inclusion in 2025 will further enhance the group’s representation.
As BRICS looks ahead, its commitment to a shared future remains central. The group’s initiatives aim to address global challenges through unity and collaboration. The New Delhi summit is a critical step in this ongoing journey.
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Border Disputes Remain Central Issue
The boundary issue between India and China continues to be a focal point of their bilateral relations. Progress on this front is essential for regional stability. The eight-point consensus reached in August provides a foundation for further dialogue.
Xi’s visit to India highlights the importance of face-to-face diplomacy. His engagements with Modi and other leaders will shape the trajectory of BRICS and its role in global affairs. The summit’s outcomes will have far-reaching implications.
The Iran-US conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war loom large over the summit. BRICS’ approach to these crises will demonstrate its ability to influence international security. China’s advocacy for dialogue aligns with the group’s principles.
India’s chairmanship is a moment of leadership and responsibility. The country’s ability to handle diverse interests will define the summit’s success.
The 18th BRICS Summit concludes on September 13, marking a new phase for the group. With expanded membership and a focus on cooperation, BRICS aims to shape a more equitable global order. The world awaits the outcomes of this key gathering.
