The international conclave, chaired by India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , has left behind powerful images of bonhomie between the heads of countries. Marked by handshakes and laughter, key moments between PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, among others were captured on camera. The 18th BRICS Summit , which concluded on Sunday, sent out a strong message of unity to the West as leaders from 11 countries converged in Delhi.
PM Modi was seen walking alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin and Xi. The image was seen as a message to the United States, which is locked in a war with Iran since the past six months. India has continued to press for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the dispute while maintaining its bilateral ties with both the warring nations. The prime minister held a separate meeting with Pezeshkian, where the two leaders discussed India-Iran bilateral relations, the conflict in West Asia and the rising influence of the Global south. Modi also interacted with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The summit brought together countries with competing regional interests, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, making consensus-building particularly challenging.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. The meeting between Modi, Xi and Putin was their second encounter this year after they met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in August. Their Bishkek catchup clearly upset US President Donald Trump who posted a snide remark on the convergence of the three leaders. May they have a long and prosperous future together,” Trump wrote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared warm moments with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the beginning of the 18th BRICS Summit. He was seen greeting Putin, holding his hand and exchanging smiles, highlighting their personal camaraderie. PM Modi and Putin also travelled together by car to Bharat Mandapam after their talks, reinforcing the image of close ties. The prime minister gifted Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, presenting it as a symbol of cultural and people-to-people ties. PM Modi was seen sharing warm moments with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the BRICS Summit opened. The images showed Modi greeting Xi alongside Putin, with the three leaders holding hands and smiling.
His critics claimed that 50% tariffs imposed on New Delhi were the reason behind New Delhi inching closer to Moscow and Beijing.
