A friendly interaction among Modi, Xi Jinping, Putin and other BRICS leaders highlights the summit’s wider diplomatic significance as emerging powers seek greater cooperation on global issues.
NEW DELHI: A relaxed interaction among Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi offered a striking diplomatic image from a gathering focused on the changing global order.
The leaders’ interaction, marked by smiles and informal exchanges, came amid intensive discussions on international cooperation, economic development and the growing role of emerging economies in global decision-making.
For India, the moment carried added significance as New Delhi hosts the 18th BRICS Summit during its 2026 chairship. India has been seeking to use the platform to promote dialogue among member countries and strengthen the voice of developing and emerging economies.
The presence of Modi, Xi and Putin together also underlined the diverse strategic relationships represented within BRICS. India maintains important ties with both China and Russia, while simultaneously pursuing its own independent foreign-policy priorities.
Diplomacy Beyond Formal Talks
High-level summits are often defined by formal meetings, negotiations and declarations, but informal interactions between leaders can also convey an important diplomatic message.
The Delhi gathering brought together countries with different political systems, economic interests and regional priorities. Their ability to remain engaged despite disagreements is central to the functioning of the BRICS platform.
The interaction between Modi and Xi is particularly significant as India and China continue efforts to stabilise bilateral relations after a prolonged period of tensions. At the same time, India’s longstanding relationship with Russia remains an important component of its broader strategic engagement.
BRICS Gains Greater Global Weight
The summit comes as BRICS continues to expand its influence in international economic and political affairs. Its agenda covers issues ranging from trade and development financing to technology, energy, connectivity and reform of global institutions.
India’s approach during its chairship has stressed cooperation based on consensus rather than confrontation. New Delhi has also presented BRICS as a platform where countries can discuss common challenges without allowing bilateral differences to dominate the entire agenda.
A Symbolic Moment from New Delhi
The images of Modi, Xi, Putin and other leaders sharing a friendly moment therefore carried significance beyond the ceremonial setting.
They reflected the central diplomatic reality of BRICS: nations with competing interests can still find space for conversation and cooperation.
Whether the positive atmosphere surrounding the summit can translate into concrete outcomes will depend on the decisions taken during the leaders’ discussions. But the Delhi gathering has already produced a powerful diplomatic message—dialogue remains possible even in an increasingly divided world.
Global Times News | INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026