China, Russia, India seek economic cooperation at BRICS

On the second day of BRICS talks in New Delhi, leaders from China, Russia, and India discussed inclusive global growth. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the bloc's significance, representing 50% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP, and over 25% of global trade. He told fellow leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, that the power of BRICS lies in its diversity and cooperation.

BRICS nations urged maximum restraint as Middle East tensions rose. The group was formed in 2009 to seek greater influence in institutions dominated by Western powers, aiming to bolster global influence and address conflict, trade turbulence, and energy security.

On the first day of the summit, BRICS foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement regarding the Middle East conflict, due to disagreements among Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, issued a statement after diplomatic efforts by India, expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions and calling for maximum restraint.

Indian Prime Minister Modi launched two postage stamps commemorating 20 years of BRICS and maintained cordial relations with both Iran and US ally Israel. India's response to the US-Iran war crisis involved turning to Russia for energy, despite Moscow's war in Ukraine and pressure from Western capitals. Xi Jinping's visit to India was significant, being his first since 2019 and marking a thaw between the nuclear-armed rivals.

Both India and China are working towards a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of their border dispute.