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. 

India held separate high-level discussions with Ethiopia and Malaysia on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Following meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, both countries indicated interest in expanding cooperation with India, particularly in defence and business. The discussions reflect India’s broader effort to deepen strategic and economic partnerships with countries participating in the BRICS framework. Ethiopia is looking to strengthen defence cooperation, while Malaysia sees opportunities for greater business and economic engagement. The meetings also underline India’s push to expand trade, investment and strategic partnerships amid changing global geopolitical and economic conditions. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, accompanied by Cai Qi, a senior member of the Communist Party of China’s Politburo Standing Committee and director of the party’s General Office. Cai is regarded as one of Xi’s closest political aides. His presence highlights the importance Beijing attaches to the India visit. Xi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with bilateral ties, border issues, trade and cooperation expected to feature in discussions. The visit comes as India and China seek to stabilise relations following the 2020 Ladakh border tensions. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on September 12 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years. Xi is leading a senior Chinese delegation that includes Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. His visit comes as India and China work to stabilize ties following years of border tensions and diplomatic strain. Xi is expected to participate in BRICS discussions on global governance, trade, economic cooperation and international conflicts. He is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with border issues, trade and broader bilateral relations expected to feature prominently.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks in New Delhi amid the escalating Iran war and wider West Asian tensions. Their discussions focused on regional stability, maritime security, the safety of seafarers and ensuring safe passage for vessels amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway is crucial for global energy supplies and India’s imports. The two sides also discussed the importance of Chabahar Port, a key Indian investment connecting India with Iran and Central Asia. Pezeshkian has sought greater international efforts for peace, while India continues to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts. (PC: X)

China Southern Airlines will resume direct passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, ending a six-year suspension. The route was halted amid the COVID-19 pandemic and worsening India-China relations following the Doklam and Galwan confrontations. The restart is part of a broader revival of air connectivity between the two countries, with more routes gradually returning this year. The announcement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping visits New Delhi for the BRICS Summit and prepares for a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The renewed connectivity signals improving India-China engagement alongside ongoing efforts to manage bilateral differences. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss key bilateral issues on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The talks come amid continuing differences over the India-China boundary, particularly China’s claims concerning Arunachal Pradesh. Economic and trade-related concerns are also expected to feature prominently as both countries seek to stabilize ties. The meeting could provide an opportunity to strengthen dialogue following recent efforts to improve bilateral relations. However, territorial disputes, strategic mistrust and competing economic interests remain significant challenges. The outcome of the Modi-Xi engagement will be closely watched for indications of further progress in India-China relations. (PC: The Hindu)