Joint Statement Omits Ukraine Conflict
The India-hosted Brics summit in September concluded with a joint statement that expressed concern about the conflict in West Asia involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The 45-page "New Delhi declaration" did not mention the Russia-Ukraine war.
This omission drew attention from Western diplomatic circles in New Delhi, who raised eyebrows at the exclusion of the Eastern European conflict from the text. The decision stands in contrast to comments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi just days earlier. During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Modi publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war.
The joint statement instead focused on regional tensions in the Middle East, marking a specific diplomatic choice by the Brics grouping regarding which global conflicts to address collectively in their official output.
Modi and Xi Discuss Border and Trade
The marquee event of the Brics summit was a bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The leaders covered issues including border tensions, trade, market access, and supply-chain concerns.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the leaders welcomed progress in relations and discussed taking a strategic and long-term view. Modi emphasized that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for developing bilateral relations. Both sides expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question in the future.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the meeting as an in-depth exchange of views. The Chinese ministry cited Xi as saying that China and India should be partners, not rivals, noting that relations require a strategic and long-term perspective.
Xi’s Statements on Strategic Judgement
During the summit, Xi stated that the direction of relations should be calibrated based on the development stage and international environment of the two countries. He added that the situation "has not come easily and needs to be cherished."
China analysts in India told Business Standard that Xi was conveying the power difference between the two countries through his rhetoric. The analysts noted that the term "strategic judgement" appeared for the first time in Chinese communication with India during this period.
Logistics and Diplomatic Signals
Xi’s presence at the summit carried logistical significance as it was his first visit to India in seven years. He did not bring a large entourage, accompanied only by Cai Qi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The visit included standard diplomatic protocols, though there were minor technical interruptions. During a daytime session, Xi’s translation earpiece required attention, prompting Modi to pause mid-speech and ask, "Is it ok?" Additionally, Xi did not attend the summit’s gala dinner.
Context of Border Tensions
The diplomatic engagement occurred against a backdrop of recent border friction. New tensions emerged in July after locals in Arunachal Pradesh spotted Chinese soldiers or graffiti in a non-demarcated area, according to sources.
Despite these incidents, both countries have reduced troop numbers along the disputed border since the 2020 clashes in Ladakh. The current diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize this relationship further.
Analysis of Coexistence
Former foreign secretary Nirupama Menon Rao wrote on X that India and China have acknowledged the necessity of coexistence, competition, and selective cooperation without pretending mistrust has disappeared. The summit provided a platform for both nations to manage expectations rather than attempt a complete reset of ties.