BRICS: Modi delivers strong message in presence of Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping touched down in India's bustling capital, New Delhi, on Saturday to attend the BRICS summit and engage in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is Xi's first visit to India in seven years, as the two nations are gradually mending their strained relations following a military standoff in 2020 that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers on their disputed Himalayan border.

Upon landing, Xi was greeted by a red carpet welcome and performed traditional Indian dances by women. The highly anticipated meeting between Xi and Modi is scheduled for Saturday evening and will mark their third encounter in the past three years. According to a China's foreign ministry spokesperson, China is eager to collaborate with India, viewing their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is committed to effectively managing their differences while being good neighbours and mutually supportive partners.

The BRICS summit, which also includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, is currently taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions. These tensions have been exacerbated by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the disruptions these conflicts have caused to global energy, trade, and transportation.