New Delhi, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Major American newspapers are closely examining the BRICS summit taking place in New Delhi, interpreting it as a reflection of shifting global dynamics. These dynamics are shaped by tense alliances, regional conflicts, and the intensifying rivalry between Washington and Beijing.
The New York Times emphasized a key question at the summit: which leader, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chinese President Xi Jinping, will emerge as the more influential voice for the developing world. China views BRICS as a platform to challenge U.S. dominance, while India seeks to keep the group inclusive, allowing countries to avoid choosing sides.
The report highlights that issues such as war, rising energy prices, U.S. tariffs, and concerns over artificial intelligence are prompting nations to reevaluate their relationships with both Washington and Beijing. Yun Sun, director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, remarked that China has always been concerned about India’s alignment with the U.S., making it likely that Beijing will seize opportunities to improve ties with New Delhi.
This visit marks Xi Jinping’s first trip to India in seven years, occurring after a prolonged period of strained relations following a deadly border clash in 2020 and a cautious diplomatic thaw that began in 2024. Xi is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on September 24, making the New Delhi summit even more significant as the Chinese leader prepares for critical discussions.
The Wall Street Journal noted that uncertainty in India-China relations has created an opportunity for both nuclear-armed neighbors to ease tensions. Reports by Tripti Lahiri and Austin Ramzy suggested that relations between India and the U.S. declined during Trump’s second term, largely due to issues like India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Professor Srikanth Kondapalli from Jawaharlal Nehru University commented that India is striving to rebalance its position. However, any improvement in India-China relations remains limited by unresolved border disputes, China’s close ties with Pakistan, and security competition in the Indian Ocean.
Sun also indicated that China is aware that India is waiting for the right moment to explore better options, which adds to the superficial nature of the current improvement in relations.
The Washington Post published reports from Associated Press journalists Ejaz Hussain and Sheikh Salik, describing the summit as a challenging balancing act for India. Leaders attending the meeting included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Xi. Ahead of the summit, Modi held separate talks with both Putin and Pezeshkian.
According to the AP report in the Washington Post, the expanded group of 11 members seeks greater influence in the global order, but their political, economic, and foreign policy interests vary widely. Praveen Donthi, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that the Global South is not a monolithic group, making it difficult to manage and mediate disputes within the coalition.
The report pointed out that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could highlight these differences. India maintains longstanding ties with Russia and Iran while also enhancing partnerships with the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Australia.
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