Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a photo with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 18th Brics Summit in New Delhi, symbolising the strong bonds between the Asian neighbours. The image, published by The Times of India, shows the three leaders holding hands, a gesture interpreted as a sign of solidarity among the expanded Brics grouping. The summit, which included representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE, concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026.

The declaration, which was unanimously adopted by Brics leaders, reaffirms their commitment to multilateralism, peaceful conflict resolution and stronger cooperation among Global South nations. It also includes a condemnation of terror and unilateral acts of war. According to NDTV, the breakthrough came after intensive negotiations until early Saturday morning, leading to a consensus among world leaders despite differences on several contentious issues. PM Modi stated that the meeting was productive and positive, with no member expressing any disagreement.

During the summit, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Putin, discussing cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility, and people-to-people domains. The two leaders spoke about the Middle East war and the Black Sea region conflict, with Modi telling Putin that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward in resolving such conflicts. Modi also held a bilateral with Xi Jinping, expected to focus on issues ranging from the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to trade, investment, and economic engagement. Reports suggest the border issue will be central to their talks as India and China try to build on the recent stabilisation in ties.

In his address, Xi Jinping told world leaders that the war in the Middle East does not serve the common interests of the international community. The summit also included a symbolic act of planting a banyan tree, representing Brics’ deep roots, growing strength and shared commitment to a common future. Modi addressed Brics leaders, calling for a more inclusive global order and a greater role for the Global South, offering to train policymakers from these nations to take on the global dialogue.

The summit’s outcomes, while significant, remain subject to further analysis and verification. The details of bilateral discussions, particularly those involving Modi and Xi, remain unclear, with no additional information provided on the specific points of contention or agreements reached. The summit’s impact on global geopolitics and the future of Brics cooperation will depend on the implementation of the New Delhi Declaration 2026 and the outcomes of ongoing bilateral engagements.