Xi Jinping will be joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with other prominent global leaders, giving the summit significant diplomatic weight. Xi is visiting India for the first time since 2019, and a separate bilateral meeting between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is possible.
The summit is being held at a time when wars are raging in different parts of the world, while trade disputes and, particularly, tariff conflicts backed by the United States and some European countries have cast uncertainty over the global economy. Against this backdrop, the Delhi BRICS Summit is expected to assume considerable importance.
For BRICS countries, the challenge extends beyond economic cooperation. The war situation in West Asia has also created differences within the BRICS grouping. In these circumstances, creating a common tone of peace and dialogue among all members will be a major diplomatic test for India as the host.
Against this backdrop, Xi Jinping’s India visit after seven years has drawn particular attention. During his possible bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, economic and trade cooperation within the broader BRICS framework could be discussed along with sensitive issues in bilateral relations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Saturday and is expected to hold a separate meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, defence and economic cooperation, as well as the Ukraine war and efforts for a peaceful resolution.
The summit will seek to contribute to greater stability in the global order against the backdrop of wars and conflicts. India’s BRICS presidency has adopted the theme of “Building for resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability”. Food and energy security, health, disaster management, critical supply chains, trade, investment and technology have been given priority.
The national capital has also been prepared to welcome guests from BRICS countries. With thousands of police personnel and paramilitary forces deployed, Delhi has been placed under heightened security. Multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place at the summit venue, major hotels where foreign guests are staying and other sensitive locations.
Meanwhile, in Dhaka, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman has said that he will not travel to India for the BRICS Summit even as relations between China and India are improving. His decision indicates that more time may be required to restore smooth relations with Bangladesh. Tensions between the two countries have persisted partly because India has provided refuge to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
With major leaders gathering in Delhi amid wars, trade tensions and differences within the BRICS grouping, the summit places India at the centre of a significant diplomatic effort focused on dialogue, cooperation, stability and world peace.
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