Xi lands in India for BRICS summit overshadowed by war

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India for the BRICS summit on Saturday, alongside leaders from India, Russia, and Iran as the bloc grapples with conflicts, trade turbulence, and energy security concerns. The summit, which brings together 11 nations, is being closely watched, as Xi is making his first visit to neighboring India since 2019, marking a significant step in improving relations between the nuclear-armed rivals. Xi was greeted with a red-carpet welcome, including an honor guard and traditional dancers.

The BRICS summit, established in 2009, aims to empower major emerging economies facing challenges from Western-dominated institutions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold face-to-face talks with Xi on Saturday, seeking a "early and substantial harvest" in border disputes and economic relations. Despite a territorial dispute along their 3,500-kilometer border, both sides have been strengthening communication and cooperation.

Tensions remain high, with protests in New Delhi against Xi's visit, and deep mistrust between the two countries. India relies heavily on Russia for energy, despite Moscow's war in Ukraine and Western pressure. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, also in New Delhi, expressed concern over the dangerous stage of pressure on Iran due to US and Israeli military aggression.

The BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement during a meeting in May, with the Gulf conflict expected to be the central fault line at this summit.