In a crucial geopolitical development, both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13,
reports Indian Express.
Both Moscow and Beijing have informed New Delhi that their leaders are expected to participate in the summit of BRICS leaders. Russian officials have already confirmed Putin’s participation, according to Russian news agency TASS.
Officials told Indian Express that, unless there are unforeseen developments, both Russia and China are expected to participate in the summit at the highest level.
SCO summit before BRICS meet
Before the BRICS summit, Putin is also expected to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31 and September 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to attend the SCO summit.
Xi Jinping’s expected visit to India is being seen as particularly significant because it would mark his first trip to the country since October 2019.
India-China relation
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply after the border standoff that began in April-May 2020 along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.
The process of improving ties began after Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
During that meeting, both sides agreed to complete disengagement of troops at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Over the past one-and-a-half years, India and China have taken several steps towards stabilising relations.
These measures included the resumption of visas, direct flights, easing restrictions on Chinese companies and restarting the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.
Despite progress in diplomatic ties, more than 50,000 troops remain deployed along the Line of Actual Control. As per reports, the process of de-escalation and withdrawal of troops has still not taken place.
Bharat Mandapam likely venue
While the official venue has not yet been announced, sources said Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi is likely to host the summit. Last week, BRICS foreign ministers met in New Delhi to discuss the agenda for the leaders’ summit.
As per reports, there was broad agreement on several issues to be discussed during the meeting.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the gathering.
However, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi could not participate because he had to remain in Beijing for the high-level meeting between Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump. China’s Ambassador to India Xu Feihong attended the meeting on Wang Yi’s behalf.
The Indian government hopes BRICS countries, which remain divided over the conflict in West Asia, will be able to find common ground before the summit takes place.
