Xi Jinping Arrives in India for BRICS Summit Amid Global Wars

NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, with the high-profile gathering taking place against the backdrop of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, rising energy concerns and growing global trade tensions.

Xi's arrival in New Delhi marks his first visit to India in seven years, making his participation one of the most closely watched developments at this year's summit. His visit also comes as Beijing and New Delhi attempt to improve relations following years of tension between the two Asian powers.

Xi-Modi Meeting Draws Global Attention

A key focus of the summit is expected to be the meeting between Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, trade, regional security and efforts to stabilize ties between their countries.

Relations between China and India deteriorated significantly following the deadly 2020 border clash in the Himalayas. Since then, both sides have gradually worked toward reducing tensions, while maintaining major differences over security and economic issues.

The latest Xi visit is therefore being viewed as an important opportunity to continue the diplomatic thaw and restore greater predictability to relations between the two countries.

BRICS Summit Overshadowed by War

The summit is being held at a particularly difficult moment for the international community. The ongoing conflict involving Iran and the wider Middle East, together with the Russia-Ukraine war, has created significant challenges for BRICS members.

The Middle East conflict has also disrupted energy markets and shipping routes, while higher oil prices and uncertainty surrounding global trade are putting additional pressure on economies.

These developments are making it harder for the expanded BRICS group to present a completely unified position on international conflicts. Member countries have different strategic interests and maintain varying relationships with the United States, Europe and other major powers.

BRICS Seeks Greater Global Influence

BRICS has expanded considerably from its original membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The group now includes several additional countries, giving it a much larger economic and demographic footprint.

The bloc represents nearly half of the world's population and has increasingly sought greater influence in global economic and political institutions. Discussions at the summit include trade, investment, energy security, technology, food security and financial cooperation.

One important issue is reducing dependence on the US dollar in international trade. Some BRICS members have promoted greater use of national currencies and alternative payment mechanisms, although significant differences remain over how far the bloc should move in that direction.

India Balances Relations With Major Powers

For India, the summit provides an opportunity to strengthen its role among emerging economies while maintaining relationships with both Western countries and major BRICS members such as China and Russia.

New Delhi has sought to avoid turning BRICS into an explicitly anti-Western alliance. Instead, Indian officials have emphasized cooperation among developing and emerging economies while continuing strategic partnerships with the United States and other Western nations.

This balancing act is particularly important as global tensions increase and countries face pressure to take positions on major international conflicts.

What to Expect From the Summit

The outcome of the BRICS summit will be closely watched for signs of unity among its expanded membership.

Leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, global trade, energy security, international conflicts and ways to strengthen the voice of developing countries in global institutions.

For China and India, however, Xi Jinping's visit carries an additional significance. After years of border tensions, the two countries are attempting to rebuild communication and expand practical cooperation while managing their strategic differences.

With wars continuing in Europe and the Middle East, Xi's arrival has added another layer of geopolitical importance to a BRICS summit already facing major challenges.

The meeting could provide an opportunity for major emerging economies to demonstrate that dialogue and economic cooperation remain possible despite deep disagreements over global security issues.