Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a warm moment at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. Modi posted a picture of the three leaders holding hands and embracing. He captioned it, “BRICS Summit 2026 gets underway in Delhi.” During his address, Modi called for safer sea routes for seafarers. He proposed a “Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network” to help workers during emergencies. Modi also raised seafarer safety in meetings with Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Xi said the Middle East war had caused serious losses and urged BRICS nations to support peace.  

BRICS countries adopted the New Delhi Declaration on Saturday and strongly condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. The attack killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration called terrorism “criminal and unjustifiable” and backed stronger action against terror networks, funding and safe havens. BRICS nations also expressed “deep concern” over rising tensions in the Middle East. They called for restraint and the protection of civilians. The group urged countries to use dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes. The declaration also warned about growing nuclear risks. Members adopted the statement despite differences between Iran and the UAE over the regional conflict.  

US President Donald Trump has again said the war with Iran will end “very soon.” His remarks come as fighting and tensions in the region continue. Trump said the Houthis do not want to fight the US. He also said Iran was “probably” behind a recent Saudi pipeline attack. Trump had earlier linked the end of the war to the US midterm elections on November 3. Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain high. Shipping through the key route has fallen sharply. Oil prices have also risen above $100 a barrel. Major issues between Washington and Tehran remain unresolved.  

An Indian-origin woman was arrested in Canada after a dispute with her tenant over a barbecue at a rental property. The tenant shared videos on Instagram and accused landlady Raj Tiwana of repeated harassment and entering his unit without permission. In one video, the tenant says, “I’m 50 years old. If I want to have friends here and make a dinner, I will.” The landlady said she wanted to “protect her property from damage.” Other clips show alleged confrontations inside the rental unit. Police later arrested Tiwana. The tenant urged people not to threaten anyone involved in the dispute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meeting took place at Bharat Mandapam. The two leaders discussed key issues in India-China ties, including border concerns and trade. Modi thanked China for its support and cooperation during India’s BRICS chairmanship. He also welcomed Xi to India and praised his remarks at the summit. Xi backed the idea of a “multipolar world” during the meeting. The talks are being closely watched as both countries seek to improve ties after years of tensions along their border.  

China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and host the 19th BRICS Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the BRICS Summit in India, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The announcement marks the next stage of leadership for the expanded BRICS grouping, which brings together major emerging economies and partner countries. China’s upcoming presidency is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation among member states on trade, investment, development, technology and global governance. The 2027 summit will provide Beijing with an opportunity to shape the bloc’s priorities and deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation among its increasingly diverse membership. (PC: X)

China Southern Airlines will resume direct passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, 2026, ending a six-year suspension of the route. The airline will operate the service daily, restoring an important air link between India and China. The route was suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent tensions in bilateral relations. Its revival comes as India-China ties show signs of gradual improvement, with Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. The restored connectivity is expected to support tourism, business travel, trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. (PC: AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin compared BRICS’ economic contribution with that of the G7 while addressing the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi. Putin said BRICS countries produced more than 40% of global GDP over the past five years, compared with 29% for the G7. He argued that the figures demonstrate a shift in global economic power towards emerging economies. Putin also highlighted BRICS’ large population, expanding domestic markets and rapid urbanisation as key drivers of growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed the figures, saying BRICS represents around half the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and over 25% of global trade. 

An Indian-origin woman, identified as Raj Tiwana, was arrested in Surrey, Canada, after a dispute with her tenant escalated and videos of the confrontation went viral. The tenant reportedly shared footage showing Tiwana arguing with him over a barbecue grill and allegedly interfering with his dinner. In another video, she is seen entering the tenant’s residence and throwing stones at him before the confrontation turned physical. The videos attracted widespread attention on social media, prompting police action. The incident has sparked discussion online about landlord-tenant disputes, property boundaries and alleged harassment. 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urged BRICS countries to reduce dependence on the US dollar and Western financial systems during the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi. He called for greater use of national currencies in bilateral trade, along with mechanisms to manage currency risks and facilitate reciprocal settlements. Pezeshkian also proposed strengthening the New Development Bank to finance infrastructure and energy projects through local-currency lending and guarantees. He argued that reducing reliance on dominant currencies could protect BRICS economies from sanctions and political pressures. His remarks come amid continuing tensions between Iran and the US and wider global economic uncertainty.