Modi forges BRICS consensus in shadow of worsening Iran war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi to discuss a range of issues, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability along their shared border. Both leaders stressed the need to respect existing agreements on border-related matters and to approach the boundary question with mutual understanding, keeping in mind the long-term interests of their peoples.

They also agreed to work together on addressing trade imbalances and supply chain issues, facilitating fair and predictable market access between their nations.

Modi and Xi further highlighted the importance of expanding common ground on regional and global issues while addressing challenges, as India and China seek to cooperate strategically and in the long term. The leaders expressed hope for continued progress in bilateral relations, following the positive developments since their last meeting in August 2025. They emphasized that differences should not escalate into disputes and that both nations should take a strategic perspective on their relationship.

President Xi arrived in India on Saturday, accompanied by a 67-member delegation that included high-ranking officials and diplomats from China. The Chinese president touched down at New Delhi's Palam airport at 12:25 pm, where he was warmly welcomed by Indian officials, including Minister of State for External Affairs Jitin Prasada. Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to President Xi at the airport, expressing optimism for constructive discussions ahead of the BRICS Summit.

Following the BRICS Joint Declaration, Prime Minister Modi engaged in bilateral talks with President Xi, where they discussed progress made during the Special Representatives' talks between India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two nations have also resumed direct flights, with China Southern Airlines announcing the resumption of flights on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route starting September 21.