Putin, Xi and Iran's Pezeshkian descend on India for high-stakes BRICS summit amid escalating global tensions

The 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi brings together leaders from Iran, Russia, and China amidst escalating global tensions. Iranian President Pezeshkian will discuss trade, energy, and regional developments with Indian Prime Minister Modi, seeking membership in the BRICS New Development Bank amid U.S. sanctions. Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit marks a cautious thaw in India-China relations after a 2020 border clash, with economic engagement on the agenda. Russian President Putin will focus on energy and defense with Modi, his first trip to India since the Ukraine war began. The summit is a significant test for India, balancing competing interests from major powers and navigating regional rivalries to promote Global South priorities.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will travel to New Delhi this weekend for the Brics summit, marking his first visit to India in nearly seven years. He will attend at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expected to hold a meeting with him on the summit's sidelines. This trip follows Xi's recent diplomatic engagements in Kyrgyzstan and Egypt and precedes an anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump. Other leaders attending the Brics meeting include those from Russia, South Africa, Iran, and the Philippines. Xi's visit occurs as China and India work to improve relations following a deadly 2020 border clash, with recent steps including the resumption of direct flights and border trade.

Leaders from eleven Brics nations, including host India, China, and Russia, are meeting in Delhi to discuss various issues. Despite the US not being a member, President Trump's policies, such as those concerning Iran and tariffs, are significantly impacting global energy markets and the economy, casting a shadow over the summit. However, a united response or a consensus statement directly challenging US policies is unlikely due to divisions within the Brics bloc. India, seeking a trade deal with the US, and China, potentially wary of appearing to target Washington, are expected to favor vague and indirect criticism. Russia and Iran may advocate for a stronger stance, but divergent national interests will likely prevent a coordinated strategy against US actions.

The BRICS summit in New Delhi, hosted by India, aims to bolster the bloc's profile amidst divisions among members, particularly concerning the US-led attacks on Iran. BRICS, formed to challenge the Western-led global order, has expanded to include countries like Iran, the UAE, and others. While analysts note BRICS has fostered a more multipolar world and provided a platform for Global South countries, it has struggled to create a coherent alternative to Western institutions. Some experts argue BRICS' success lies not in replacing the West, but in making Western dominance harder to exercise. The bloc's core priorities remain economic development and greater autonomy from Western influence, rather than overthrowing the existing international order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi for an 11-member BRICS summit. The summit, taking place over two days, is expected to be dominated by discussions on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, alongside economic challenges. Putin is scheduled to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also anticipated to meet with Modi on the sidelines of the meeting. BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has expanded to include Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, presenting differing stances on the conflict involving Israel and Iran.