India Hosts BRICS Summit as Xi Meets Modi for First Time Since 2020 Border Clash Killed 20 Soldiers

Chinese President Xi Jinping received a red-carpet welcome in New Delhi on Friday as India hosted the BRICS summit, bringing together leaders of the world's largest emerging economies for a closely watched gathering [239282]. The arrival marked Xi's first visit to India since a deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 killed soldiers on both sides [239184].

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also attended the summit, which marks 20 years since the group's founding [238921]. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The bloc has recently invited new members to join, expanding its reach [238894].

The summit opened as the first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic and the first since new members were invited [238894]. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr became the first Philippine leader to attend a BRICS summit, traveling to New Delhi to build new partnerships [238954].

India holds the chair this year and wants to keep the group focused on economic growth and development rather than confrontation with Western nations [239188]. Delhi is expected to push for reform of global institutions, more cooperation on counter-terrorism, and better access to finance for developing nations [239015].

However, internal disagreements threaten to slow the group's progress. Member nations have different interests and ties to other powers, making agreement harder as the bloc grows [238921][238894]. China, the largest economy in the group, tends to set the agenda, and critics say the benefits for India are limited [239015].

The meeting takes place amid war, sanctions, and global trade tensions [238445]. Analysts say the summit's outcome will show whether BRICS can turn its growing size into real clout — or whether expansion brings more division than strength [238894].