Putin, Xi and Pezeshkian Meet Modi as BRICS Summit Faces Growing Divisions Over Middle East War
The BRICS summit in India is unfolding at a time when global tensions are putting the unity of the emerging economies group to the test. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi ahead of the 11-member gathering, where discussions are expected to focus on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and mounting economic challenges.
Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the two-day summit, according to Indian diplomatic sources. The meetings could provide an important opportunity for leaders to discuss regional security, energy concerns and the future of international cooperation.
Putin arrived at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, where he was welcomed by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh. Footage of the Russian leader’s arrival was broadcast by Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.
For Xi Jinping, the visit marks his first trip to India since 2019 and represents a significant step in the cautious improvement of relations between the two Asian powers. The nuclear-armed neighbours have been working to rebuild ties following a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border six years ago.
Recent months have seen progress in restoring flights, visas and high-level diplomatic contacts between India and China. Yet beneath these positive developments, serious challenges remain. Their contested frontier, widening trade imbalance and broader strategic rivalry continue to create uncertainty in the relationship.
Middle East Conflict Exposes BRICS Fault Lines
New Delhi has been decorated with posters of Prime Minister Modi welcoming visiting leaders, while security has been tightened across the capital. Traffic restrictions and extensive police deployments are expected to affect several central districts, with Delhi authorities urging residents to remain patient and cooperate with security arrangements.
Established in 2009, BRICS was created to give major emerging economies a stronger voice in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers. The group has since expanded to include countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose interests and positions on the Middle East conflict do not always align.
That diversity, once seen as a sign of BRICS’ growing international influence, is now presenting a major challenge.
“The Gulf conflict is going to be the central fault line this time during the BRICS summit,” said Harsh V. Pant of India’s Observer Research Foundation.
He added that what had been viewed as an achievement until last year, namely the expansion of BRICS, could now become a significant constraint on the group’s ability to reach agreement.
Pezeshkian’s visit is particularly important as it marks his first trip to India as Iranian president. His presence is expected to bring the Middle East war to the centre of summit discussions, alongside the wider question of how BRICS members can maintain cooperation despite sharply different national interests.
Shilan Shah of Capital Economics said the conflict would provide a serious test of the expanded group’s cohesion. The challenge is underscored by the failure of BRICS foreign ministers to agree on a joint statement during their meeting in New Delhi in May.
India Walks a Difficult Diplomatic Line
India’s position at the summit reflects the complexity of its international relationships. New Delhi maintains ties with both Iran and Israel, while also seeking to preserve its important relationship with Washington.
The war involving Iran has intensified pressure on energy markets and placed additional importance on India’s energy security. Russia remains one of India’s most important strategic partners and a major fuel supplier, even as the war in Ukraine continues to shape global diplomacy.
India has increasingly had to balance economic interests, national security and diplomatic relationships in a rapidly changing international environment. The BRICS summit offers Modi an opportunity to strengthen partnerships while protecting India’s own strategic priorities.
Putin last visited India in December 2025 and also met Modi earlier this month in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Kyiv this month, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for India’s commitment to ending the war in Ukraine.
A Summit That Could Shape the Future of BRICS
The BRICS meeting arrives at a moment when the world is looking to emerging economies for stronger leadership on peace, trade and global stability. But bringing countries together is one challenge; getting them to agree on the most urgent issues is another.
The discussions between Modi, Putin, Xi and Pezeshkian will be closely watched for signs of diplomatic progress, particularly on the Middle East conflict and Ukraine. Whether BRICS can turn its growing influence into meaningful cooperation may depend on its ability to find common ground despite deep disagreements.
At the heart of this summit is a question that reaches far beyond the conference room: Can countries with different interests still work together when the world needs peace the most? For millions of people affected by war, rising costs and uncertainty, the answer is not simply a matter of diplomacy. It is a matter of hope for a safer and more stable future.
Source: AFP