BRICS Summit: Consensus reached on joint statement
What's the story
The BRICS grouping has reached a consensus on a joint statement for the New Delhi Declaration, which will be released at 4:00pm on Saturday. According to sources cited by NDTV, the declaration "will deplore all kinds of aggression without naming any country," highlighting the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts. This is a significant diplomatic achievement for India, especially given previous challenges in reaching consensus among member states over language related to West Asia.
Diplomatic breakthrough
India's successful mediation
India's successful mediation comes after earlier attempts failed due to differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In May, these differences had prevented a joint statement at a BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in New Delhi.
However, this time around, Indian diplomacy has managed to bridge the gap and bring all member countries on board with a common language in the declaration.
Summit proceedings
BRICS Summit in New Delhi
The BRICS Summit, which includes Russia, India, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Indonesia, and Iran among its members, will be held at the Bharat Mandapam complex in New Delhi.
The summit will be attended by top leaders of these countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Notably, this is Xi's first visit to India in seven years.
Bilateral talks
Bilateral talks held ahead of summit
Ahead of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
During these meetings, he emphasized the need for a joint statement from BRICS.
The importance of this summit is underscored by UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sending his son as a representative instead of a minister.
Summit agenda
UN chief to attend BRICS summit
The main session of the BRICS leaders, being held on Saturday afternoon, will focus on "Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism."
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will also attend this session.
The summit is India's fourth time hosting the BRICS meeting, having previously hosted it in 2012, 2016, and virtually in 2021.