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)

India is facing a delicate diplomatic challenge as it hosts the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must balance India’s strategic partnership with the United States while maintaining important relations with Russia and China, which are pushing for changes in the global order. Iran’s participation adds another layer of complexity amid its conflict with the US, involving regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The summit brings together countries with competing geopolitical interests. India’s handling of these tensions will test its long-standing policy of strategic autonomy and its ability to build consensus within BRICS. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to resolve the West Asia conflict through dialogue and diplomacy during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Modi stressed continued efforts for lasting regional peace and stability, freedom of navigation and commerce, and the safety and well-being of seafarers. The meeting was their second since August 31 and marked Pezeshkian’s first India visit as president. Modi said India remains committed to enduring peace and discussed India-Iran friendship and bilateral relations. India has raised concerns over attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s closure of the waterway has affected India’s energy and fertiliser supplies. Modi also thanked Iran for its BRICS participation. (PC: @pmoindia)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi praised India’s BRICS leadership, saying New Delhi can steer the grouping “in an excellent way” as it strengthens cooperation among emerging economies. Speaking ahead of the summit, Araghchi called BRICS an important institution and said India could lead its members effectively. He highlighted discussions on reducing reliance on dominant currencies, saying all members believe national currencies should be strengthened for intra-BRICS trade. A common BRICS currency, he said, remains under consideration. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who urged dialogue and diplomacy over the West Asia conflict and stressed safe navigation and seafarer safety. India is hosting the summit on September 12-13.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers are essential for promoting global trade. Addressing the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi, Modi stressed that secure sea lanes and open supply routes are critical to the smooth movement of goods worldwide. He said safe and resilient supply chains are essential for global trade and reiterated India’s strong support for freedom of navigation and seafarer safety. His remarks highlighted the importance of maintaining secure maritime routes and protecting seafarers to ensure uninterrupted international commerce. Modi’s comments came as he addressed business leaders at the forum, where global trade and supply-chain resilience were key economic concerns.

An Indian woman in Canada, identified as Raj Tiwana, was arrested after a dispute with her tenant over a barbecue escalated into confrontations documented in viral social media videos. The dispute reportedly began when Tiwana objected to the tenant using a barbecue in the garden with a friend, citing concern over brown stains on a wall and property damage. The 50-year-old tenant argued he had the right to have friends over for dinner and told her to leave. In another confrontation, Tiwana was seen removing food from a grill before picking up wood and pushing the food off, saying she could not allow cooking on her property and would call police.