Xi tells Modi China and India bear ‘significant responsibilities’ as Global South powers

During a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping informed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that both China and India, as the most populous nations and significant members of the Global South, hold "significant responsibilities" in a turbulent global landscape. Xi emphasized that despite differing national circumstances, there is substantial opportunity for mutual learning, support, shared success, and common development between the two countries. The discussion between the leaders addressed trade, investment, the ongoing border dispute, and the normalization of relations. Xi's message aimed to frame the rationale for cooperation between China and India, even in the presence of their differences.

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 received a red-carpet welcome in India for a Brics summit, signaling a thaw in relations following a deadly 2020 border clash. This visit marks Xi's first to India in seven years and is seen as a reconciliation step, with both countries gradually restoring high-level contacts. The summit, hosted by India, brings together leaders from emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, and expanded members like Iran. While Brics aims to counter Western dominance, internal divisions and differing views on the group's role, particularly between China and India, present challenges. China seeks to expand Brics power as a US counterweight, while India views it as a bridge between the West and the developing world.

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.

At the Brics summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for enhanced cooperation among member nations, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence. He proposed an initiative focused on "AI-empowered new industrialisation" to strengthen collaboration on industrial and supply chains. Xi also stated China's readiness to work with Brics countries to contribute to peace in the Middle East. Furthermore, he urged the emerging economies to oppose bloc confrontation and actions that infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or interfere in their internal affairs.

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.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS summit, where he will meet with leaders from India, Russia, and Iran. The two-day summit is expected to be dominated by discussions on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, global trade turbulence, and energy security. Xi's visit, his first to India since 2019, is also significant as it marks a step in the improving, though still cautious, relationship between China and India, who share a long-standing territorial dispute. Both nations maintain military deployments along their border, and discussions between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are anticipated to address the border issue.

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.