Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi on Friday, marking the start of a high-stakes, two-day BRICS summit. The Russian leader was greeted by India's Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, as he began a three-day visit that includes bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit, which brings together an expanded 11-member bloc, is set to be dominated by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside significant global economic challenges.
This gathering represents a critical test for the group, which was originally formed in 2009 to provide a platform for emerging economies to challenge Western-dominated institutions. The inclusion of new members such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates has introduced complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding the war in the Middle East. Observers note that the expansion, once hailed as a major success for the bloc, now presents significant challenges to maintaining internal cohesion and consensus on global security issues.
Geopolitical Fault Lines and Group Cohesion
The summit is unfolding against a backdrop of deep regional divisions, with the conflict in the Middle East serving as a primary point of contention. Harsh V. Pant of India's Observer Research Foundation described the situation as a defining moment for the bloc, stating, "The Gulf conflict is going to be the central fault line this time during the BRICS summit. What was seen until last year as an achievement - the expansion of BRICS - today looks like a big constraint on BRICS."
This tension was previously evident during a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in New Delhi this past May, where the group failed to reach an agreement on a joint statement. Shilan Shah of Capital Economics noted that the current environment provides a stern test for the expanded group, as members hold sharply differing positions on the war launched in February. The presence of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, his first visit to India in that role, is expected to bring these Middle Eastern security concerns to the forefront of the agenda.
India's Strategic Balancing Act
For host nation India, the summit serves as a platform to position itself as a stabilizing anchor in a fragmented geopolitical landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging bilateral discussions with President Putin, focusing on strengthening cooperation in defense, energy, technology, and pharmaceuticals. India has sought to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign policy, preserving cordial relations with both Iran and Israel while navigating its strategic partnership with Russia.
India's reliance on Russian energy has remained a point of focus, particularly as the country navigates the global energy crisis exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Simultaneously, India has engaged with Kyiv, with Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visiting Ukraine earlier this month. During that visit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India's commitment to ending the war, highlighting the complex diplomatic tightrope New Delhi is walking as it hosts leaders from across the global spectrum.
A Cautious Thaw in Sino-Indian Relations
Beyond the broader security agenda, the summit provides a venue for significant bilateral diplomacy between India and China. President Xi Jinping's attendance marks his first visit to India since 2019, signaling a cautious thaw in relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. This development follows a period of intense strain that began with a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border six years ago.
While recent months have seen a gradual restoration of flights, visa processing, and high-level diplomatic contacts, officials acknowledge that deep-seated mistrust remains. The relationship continues to be complicated by the unresolved frontier dispute, a widening trade deficit, and ongoing strategic rivalry. The sidelines of the BRICS summit offer a rare opportunity for direct engagement between the two leaders, representing the most significant step toward normalization since the border crisis erupted.
Economic Resilience and Global Policy Challenges
Beyond the immediate security crises, the summit is tasked with addressing broader economic concerns, including food security, health, and the stability of critical supply chains. The discussions are taking place in an environment heavily influenced by the trade and tariff policies of the Trump administration, which have added another layer of complexity to the global economic outlook. India has emphasized the need for collective resilience, aiming to use the forum to coordinate responses to these external pressures.
Leaders from a diverse array of nations are participating in the summit, including the presidents of Indonesia, Egypt, and South Africa, as well as the Prime Ministers of Malaysia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. This broad representation underscores the bloc's ambition to influence global economic governance, even as internal disagreements over security issues threaten to overshadow the agenda. The success of the summit will likely be measured by the group's ability to produce a unified stance on these pressing economic and geopolitical challenges.
Next Steps and Diplomatic Milestones
The two-day summit officially commences on Saturday, with leaders expected to engage in a series of plenary sessions and private bilateral meetings. While the agenda is set to focus on collective resilience and economic cooperation, the ability of the 11-member group to issue a joint declaration remains an open question given the existing divisions. The conclusion of the summit will provide a clearer indication of whether the expanded BRICS can function as a cohesive entity in the face of competing national interests and global security crises.
