Modi-Xi Jinping Bi-lateral To Issues That Surfaced

Although 18th BRICS like such a summit in the past was a two day affair, yet two high profile bi-laterals on September 11, followed by participation of three heads of states in the Business Session made it a three day event.Together with giving closing remarks on the concluding day and passing the 19th BRICS chair baton to China, PM Modi could hold bi-lateral meetings with seven countries. If such a change or arrangement is mutually agreed upon , there is nothing like it.

CRUCIAL MEETINGS

Meetings with Russian President and President of Iran were very crucial not only for ensuring peace in the region but also for ensuring smooth passage through Strait of Hormuz and responding to quick resolution of irritants emanating out of Russia- Ukraine war.

While Putin felt that global attention towards BRICS was growing, before concluding, Chinese President and Indian P.M. too offered to help end Ukraine war. It was a prominent silver lining.

INDIA CHINA TALKS

Headline in one national daily proclaimed “Modi and Xi Jinping hold talks : Partners not rivals”.

Two years after their last meeting in Kazan, Russia and continued follow up between National Security Advisors,
P.M. Modi had a useful bi-lateral with Chinese President. It was their first meeting in India in seven years. It has been learnt that differences should not become disputes and that they committed themselves to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.

PM MODI

As indicated by MEA, the P.M.is learnt to have highlighted that both sides must be guided by three mutuals : mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. In addition, he is reported to have stated that peace and tranquility in the border areas remains an essential basis for continued development of bilateral relations.There was a need for both countries to observe existing agreements and understandings on border related issues.

RESPONSE OF CHINA PRESIDENT

As gathered from Chinese Foreign Ministry, President Xi reportedly told that China and India were partners, rather than rivals, providing development opportunities, rather than threats to each other.

He went on to add that the two sides should address each other’s trade and economic concerns in a balanced way and promote sound and steady development of economic and trade relations.

The Chinese President also informed that institutional exchanges between the two countries have gradually resumed, the co- operation list has continued to lengthen and the bi lateral trade volume has hit a new high.This situation needs to be cherished.We should draw on each other’s strength, support each other, help each other and develop together.

Summing up this vital Breaking Of Ice, MEA has stated that the two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question from the perspective of bilateral relations and the long term interest of the people of two countries.

Use of phrases, such as, progress in people to people ties, promotion of cultural exchanges, business linkages and greater mobility were usual diplomatic nuances.There was nothing new as such.

JOINT DECLARATION

Was spirit of Partnership & Progress strengthened through Joint Declaration ?

Consensus on Joint Declaration (45 pages, 140 paragraphs) emerged after hectic parleys between the officers and Foreign Ministers, notably of Russia, China and Iran. Discussions on the side lines in an atmosphere of bonhomie always helps in such summits. As it was very comprehensive, it can be considered a diplomatic victory for India.

It dealt at length with finance, climate, trade, energy, agriculture, tariff, health, culture, education, terrorism, sports, tourism and A.I.

Some of the Issues that draw immediate attention are :

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

While concerns were expressed on the conflict in the declaration of 17th BRICS at Rio de Janeiro, Delhi declaration was silent on it. It has been learnt that Russia would have blocked any critical language on the issue.

However, it may be recalled that at G-20 New Delhi summit, India had managed to soften the language of the declaration to avoid naming or condemning Russia.

The declaration of BRICS Rio 2025 similarly had safely stated that” We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in Ukraine as expressed in the appropriate fora, including UNSC and UNGA”.

MENACE OF TERROR

Any acts of terrorism have been strongly condemned, including terrorist attacks in J & K on April 22, 2025.This para was akin to a para on the same subject figuring in Rio declaration.Language in Delhi declaration is almost identical to that adopted in Rio.Both declarations also state that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation and ethnic group and those involved in terrorist activities must be held accountable under national and international law.

It may be noted that Pahalgam attack was not condemned by any country initially, rather Turkiye and one Central Asian country sided with Pakistan.Later the UNO, G-7, EU and many governments condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with India.

PALESTINIANS

On the issue of displacement of Palestinians, the declaration criticises arrangements (like Rio) that prolongs occupation of the territory. Israel’s legal obligation to ensure humanitarian aid was re affirmed.

LEBANON

Declaration has a formulation on Lebanon similar to Rio. Israel has been called to respect terms agreed and to withdraw their forces that still occupy parts of Lebanon.

IRAN-UAE UNDERSTANDING

Although nothing has been spoken about Russia-Ukraine war, yet BRICS could bring Iran & UAE together. It was necessary to protect civilian lives and infrastructure. It can be considered a solid achievement of the summit. At the time of departure, Iran’s President confessed that both the countries had agreed to put the past behind and look to future.China and Russia are reported to have helped in convincing them with Brazil and Egypt playing a supporting role.

Even though Russia & Iran have repeatedly faced the pressure of US economic sanctions, neither USA nor Iran was named in the carefully drafted Joint Declaration.

TO SUM UP

Crisis is not confined to one region in today’s world. Tensions across the globe are constantly rising.Through such meetings, grievances of many countries are ventilated and their experiences are being respected. As a desire for global reforms is being expressed, there is a need also to improve governance structure. Global South is rising collectively and becoming a driving force.

But guarded utterances against a super power, such as, US hardly have any meaning.

President Xi Jinping may be right in assessing that in the face of changing international landscape, China and India, world’s two most populous countries and important members of Global South, shoulder important responsibility.

What about action of President Putin ? Within hours of his return to Russia Jet powered Drones have been used on a train plying between Kyiv and Warsaw and Diesel depots too are not being spared.Can warm hand shakes and smiles of Bharat Mandapam disappear so fast ?

Twenty years is a rather short period to judge the reach and efficacy of a diverse organisation, such as, BRICS.

Only time will tell whether this platform of partnership has carved a distinct identity for itself in making a mark on global stage.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim. Views are strictly personal)