NEWSLETTER: Advantage China in New Delhi's BRICS summit?
Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed New Delhi following the conclusion of the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders from the 11-member bloc unanimously adopted the 140-point New Delhi Declaration, reaching consensus on West Asia, terrorism, India's UNSC aspirations, trade restrictions, and Global South representation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of the two-day meeting, which marked the end of India's 2026 BRICS presidency. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reported improving bilateral relations as border tensions ease.
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- ✓ Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed New Delhi after attending the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India.
- ✓ The 18th BRICS Summit concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the 140-point New Delhi Declaration.
- ✓ The New Delhi Declaration established consensus on West Asia, terrorism, India's UNSC aspirations, trade restrictions, and Global South representation.
What changed
Chinese President Xi Jinping departed New Delhi following the unanimous adoption of the 140-point New Delhi Declaration by the 11-member bloc.
Live updates
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New Delhi BRICS Summit Concludes With New Delhi Declaration
Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed New Delhi following the conclusion of the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders from the 11-member bloc unanimously adopted the 140-point New Delhi Declaration, reaching consensus on West Asia, terrorism, India's UNSC aspirations, trade restrictions, and Global South representation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping held talks on the sidelines of the two-day meeting, which marked the end of India's 2026 BRICS presidency. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reported improving bilateral relations as border tensions ease.
Why it matters
The summit gathered leaders from the 11-member bloc under the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability. Discussions focused on economic cooperation, global security, and pressing international issues. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi during the event.
What is confirmed
- Chinese President Xi Jinping has departed New Delhi after attending the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India.
- The 18th BRICS Summit concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the 140-point New Delhi Declaration.
- The New Delhi Declaration established consensus on West Asia, terrorism, India's UNSC aspirations, trade restrictions, and Global South representation.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the 140-point New Delhi Declaration across member nations
- Further developments regarding China's proposed BRICS AI open-source community
- Progress on resolving the contested border issue between India and China
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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- rjaura.substack.com — India’s BRICS Moment - by Ramesh Jaura
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China Proposes AI Community as India-China Border Talks Progress
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that China lead a new BRICS AI open-source community during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping agreed to work toward resolving their contested border issue on the sidelines of the summit, which marked the conclusion of India's 2026 BRICS presidency. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reported that bilateral relations are improving as border tensions ease. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi to discuss expanding the bank's focus into artificial intelligence, skilling, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Why it matters
India held the 2026 BRICS presidency, placing its relationship with China under scrutiny amid an unsettled boundary and an asymmetric trade relationship. Attention is now shifting toward China's upcoming 2027 chairship following the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
What is confirmed
- Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed that China take the lead in establishing a BRICS AI open-source community at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping agreed to work towards resolving their contested border issue on the sidelines of the New Delhi summit.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that bilateral relations between India and China are significantly better as border tensions ease and normalcy returns.
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank President Zou Jiayi to discuss expanding the bank's focus to include AI, MSMEs, and skilling.
Still unconfirmed
- India and China will make a good team in BRICS open-source AI development.
What to watch next
- Transition of BRICS chairship toward China for 2027
- Formal agreements on resolving the India-China contested border issue
- Implementation of proposed AIIB funding for AI, MSMEs, and skilling
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- asiatimes.com — In BRICS open-source AI, China and India will make a good ...
- www.indianarrative.com — India–China Relations in the BRICS 2026 Playbook
- gardnermagazine.com — Deep Dive Episodes – Gardner Magazine – Gardner News Magazine: Local News & Articles in Gardner MA
- bricsconnect.co — Round-up 27 September 2026 – BRICS Connect
- indiawest.com — US Media Spotlights India’s Balancing Act Between West and ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — brics summit india china: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
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Jaishankar Reports Improved India-China Relations
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reports that diplomatic relations between India and China are significantly better than in previous years as normalcy returns. This assessment follows the New Delhi BRICS summit, where deep internal divisions over the Iran war and global supply chain shocks complicated bloc dynamics. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously warned that geopolitical tensions threaten global stability, India and China now show signs of easing bilateral friction. The bloc continues to navigate resistance from the Global South against Western efforts to isolate Russia and Iran.
Why it matters
The thawing tone between New Delhi and Beijing marks a shift from the severe diplomatic chill that followed the 2020 border standoff. India and China both participate in the BRICS bloc, where internal friction has complicated efforts to present a unified stance on global supply chain shocks and the Iran war. Observers are watching whether diplomatic engagement between the two Asian giants will alter the strategic advantage China previously held within the alliance.
What is confirmed
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar notes bilateral ties have improved significantly since the 2020 border standoff as normalcy returns.
What to watch next
- Further official statements on bilateral border agreements or trade normalization between India and China
- Concrete diplomatic outcomes or joint statements from upcoming BRICS ministerial meetings regarding internal bloc divisions
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.deccanherald.com — India-China relations: EAM Jaishankar says ties better than previous years
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — India-China ties 'better' today as compared to couple of years ago: EAM Jaishankar
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China's strategic advantage in BRICS amid global divisions
The BRICS summit in New Delhi highlighted deep divisions within the bloc over the Iran war and global supply chain shocks. China maintains a strategic advantage as the alliance struggles with internal divides. Western efforts to isolate Russia and Iran face strong resistance from the Global South. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that geopolitical tensions and supply shocks threaten global stability.
Why it matters
The BRICS summit's outcome reflects the challenges faced by the bloc in achieving consensus among its member nations. The divisions within BRICS are significant, given the group's aim to promote cooperation among emerging economies. The strategic advantage held by China has implications for the global balance of power. The summit's discussions on global stability and supply chains are crucial in the current international context.
What is confirmed
- China maintains a strategic advantage as the alliance struggles with internal divides.
- Western efforts to isolate Russia and Iran face strong resistance from the Global South.
- Geopolitical tensions and supply shocks threaten global stability, according to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The BRICS summit in New Delhi highlighted deep divisions within the bloc over the Iran war and global supply chain shocks.
Still unconfirmed
- The US-China relationship is unlikely to produce major breakthroughs in their meetings in 2026.
What to watch next
- The next meetings between the US and China leaders
- The impact of global supply chain shocks on BRICS nations
- The development of BRICS' institutional clarity
confidence 75%Sources used for this update (7)
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BRICS Challenges US Dollar as New Delhi Summit Highlights Divides
The New Delhi BRICS summit reveals deep fractures within the bloc over the Iran war and global supply chain shocks. Western efforts to isolate Russia and Iran face strong resistance from the Global South. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns that geopolitical tensions and supply shocks threaten global stability. Meanwhile, extreme heat cost India an estimated $9 in lost labor productivity for every ton of CO2 emitted in 2025, according to a Nature Climate Change study. China maintains a strategic advantage as the alliance struggles with internal divides.
Why it matters
Western dominance is facing a challenge as BRICS attempts to break the dollar hegemony, according to former UK cabinet member Vince Cable in a new book. Estonia seeks to join French nuclear deterrence and Rafale training for Ukraine, reflecting shifting security priorities in Europe.
What is confirmed
- Extreme heat cost India an estimated $9 in lost labor productivity for every ton of CO2 emitted in 2025.
Still unconfirmed
- BRICS is attempting to break the dollar hegemony, signaling the close of the age of Western dominance.
- Estonia wants to join France's nuclear deterrence and Rafale training for Ukraine.
What to watch next
- Further official statements from the New Delhi BRICS summit regarding the US dollar and trade mechanisms
- Developments regarding Estonia joining French nuclear deterrence and Rafale training
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- Scroll.in — Interview: ‘BRICS is attempting to break the dollar’s hegemony’
- defence24.com — East Front News #112: Estonia wants to join France's nuclear deterrence and Rafale training for Ukraine
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China Gains Edge at New Delhi BRICS Summit Amid Global South Divisions
The New Delhi BRICS summit exposes deep fractures within the bloc over the Iran war and global supply chain shocks, while Western efforts to isolate Russia and Iran face resistance from the Global South. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns that geopolitical tensions and supply shocks threaten global stability. Meanwhile, extreme heat cost India an estimated $9 in lost labor productivity for every ton of CO2 emitted in 2025, according to a Nature Climate Change study. China holds a strategic advantage as the alliance struggles with internal divides, highlighting structural limits in diplomatic ties despite reported unity driven by Trumpism.
Why it matters
The 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi serves as a focal point for developing nations rejecting Western attempts to turn Russia and Iran into pariah states. Internal disagreements regarding the Iran conflict challenge the bloc's cohesion and ability to present a unified diplomatic front. At the same time, severe environmental pressures like extreme heat continue to inflict heavy economic tolls on host nation India, complicating its domestic and international priorities.
What is confirmed
- Much of the Global South rejects Western government efforts to turn Russia and Iran into pariah states.
- Heat stress cost India an estimated $9 in lost labor productivity for every ton of CO2 emitted in 2025, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.
Still unconfirmed
- Trumpism has created rare unity among BRICS members during the summit.
What to watch next
- Official joint declarations from the New Delhi BRICS summit regarding the Iran war
- Further economic studies on the impact of extreme heat on Global South labor productivity
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (2)
- thediplomat.com — The New Delhi BRICS Summit Sends Powerful Messages to America
- www.indiaweekly.biz — How extreme heat is hitting India’s economy with $9 in lost labor productivity per ton of CO₂
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India hosts 2026 BRICS summit amid war in Iran and global instability
The 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi reveals a divided bloc struggling with the impact of the Iran war. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that supply chain shocks and geopolitical tensions currently threaten global stability. While some reports suggest that Trumpism has created rare unity among members, other analyses indicate the conflict in Iran has exposed the structural limits of the alliance and reshaped diplomatic ties. China may hold a strategic advantage during these proceedings as the group navigates these internal divides.
Why it matters
BRICS serves as a coalition of major emerging economies intended to challenge Western economic hegemony. The current summit occurs against a backdrop of active conflict in Iran, which tests the group's ability to maintain a cohesive foreign policy.
What is confirmed
- India is hosting the 2026 BRICS summit in New Delhi.
- The war in Iran is influencing diplomatic ties and exposing divides within BRICS.
Still unconfirmed
- China holds an advantage at the New Delhi summit.
What to watch next
- Official joint statements regarding the Iran war
- Specific policy agreements on supply chain resilience
confidence 70%Sources used for this update (7)
- AP News — At BRICS, India's Modi warns geopolitical tensions and supply chain shocks threaten global stability
- BBC — Brics summit 2026 Delhi: Iran war reshapes ties but exposes divides
- Al Jazeera — The Iran war reveals the limits of BRICS
- Financial Times — ‘Trumpism’ spawns rare unity at Brics summit
- Reuters — NEWSLETTER: Advantage China in New Delhi's BRICS summit?
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