Putin, Xi flank Modi in striking BRICS photo as India hosts mega summit

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their first meeting on Indian soil in a long time.

During the meeting, Modi emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remain an essential basis for the continued development of India-China bilateral relations.

The two leaders welcomed the steady progress in bilateral ties since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025.

Modi and Xi reaffirmed that both countries should take a strategic and long-term perspective on their relationship, stressing that differences should not be allowed to become disputes.

Modi also underlined the need for both sides to adhere to existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues.

Meanwhile, addressing a BRICS session on Sunday, Modi said the grouping's member nations may be rooted in different realities, but through cooperation, they can rise and blossom for the benefit of humanity.

"We may be rooted in different realities, but together, through cooperation, we rise and blossom for humanity," he said.

BRICS has emerged as a key platform for coordinating economic policy among major emerging economies and serves as an important forum for these nations to shape common positions on global governance.

Through sustained dialogue, the grouping has also become a channel for advancing the interests of the Global South within multilateral institutions.

Its agenda spans areas including development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

The grouping reflects the growing economic weight and aspirations of emerging economies globally, providing its members with a platform to share experiences and address common challenges.

Under its 2026 presidency, India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026.