The RIC bond - Crucial ties to lead the BRICS into a new era and new 'non west world' ::: PM Namo holds hands with Putin, Xi for a powerful photo-message Delhi BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, Sept 12, urged India and China to join hands to strengthen BRICS cooperation during bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

There was a lot for India and Brazil to cheer in the room.

China and Russia (with veto power) have reiterated their support for India and Brazil to play a greater role in the United Nations, including at the UN Security Council.

According to the Delhi Declaration, the leaders of BRICS countries reiterated their support for a “comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council”.

The Delhi Declaration by BRICS and the document signed by China -- was a big thing. 

"It is a big deal; the Pakistanis must be watching," said former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal later. 

Between Islamabad and Rawalpindi - there must be discussions on why China has left Pakistanis high and dry and that too at a Summit meet chaired by Narendra Modi.  

At their first bilateral meeting on Indian soil since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Xi said the two countries could learn from each other’s strengths and pursue shared development. He said Beijing viewed its ties with New Delhi from a strategic and long-term perspective, as both countries seek to rebuild relations after years of tensions.  

The RIC bond - Crucial ties to lead the BRICS into a new era and new 'non west world' 

A photograph released on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi shows PM Narendra Modi standing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, holding hands with both leaders as they share a light-hearted moment.  

The snap  speaks a million words. It not only signals coming  together of the leaders of three major world powers and emerging economies.  

The BRICS Summit in Delhi has a 'revealing' of a deeper geopolitical shift: -- questioning the assumptions of the US-led global order.   

The Unipolar world order that George Bush boasted of in 1991 has collapsed !  The post-Iran war 'missive' is Trust in the US is eroding   

In blateral parleys, PM Modi and Xi agreed that differences between India and China should not become disputes. The leaders also underscored the need to strengthen business ties and enable greater mobility between the two countries.

They discussed the need to address each other’s concerns over the structural trade imbalance and supply chain issues, and to facilitate “meaningful and predictable market access”, the MEA said.  

New Delhi has made it clear that while it is working to strengthen ties with Beijing and Moscow; it would maintain its pragmatic partnerships with other major powers like EU, other Western allies and the US. 

It all started probably with the 2024 Summit of the BRICS bloc when the meet was hosted by Putin. The same spirit persisted in Brazil in 2025. Now under Modi - Delhi Declaration and deliberations have made it clear that -- 

The emerging markets are unwilling to bow to pressure and 

The great American dominance is being challenged.

A day earlier, a photograph of the Prime Minister holding hands with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian went viral online. And it happened not without good reasons.   

 

The Modi Govt has maintained since 2022-23 after Russia-Ukraine conflict commenced that it stands for peace and dialogue while avoiding alignment with rival geopolitical camps, an approach that also informs its stewardship of the BRICS Summit. 

PM Modi had earlier underlined that "this is not the era of war" and in August he took it to a new dimension -- telling Putin that --from the 'endless war' .. the world ought to move towards 'End of war'.  This has played a game-changer and in more ways than one.

Modi and two of his colleagues in foreign policy engine room 

In 2023, India pulled off a major feat at the G20 Summit by getting members to sign a consensus declaration. 

It managed to do so again at the BRICS Summit this year -- with member states unanimously adopting the 'New Delhi declaration' notwithstanding the differences.   

BIG TAKEAWAYS -- TERRORISM

* Calling for zero tolerance for terrorism, the BRICS nations specifically condemned the 

Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which left 25 tourists dead and triggered a conflict with Pakistan. 

The mention of Pahalgam is significant as China, Pakistan's closest ally, is a signatory to the declaration.   

The Delhi declaration called for rejection of "double standards" on terrorism and accountability for those involved. 

While no country was named, the wording left little doubt about whom the message was aimed at - Pakistan.

* The declaration also called for faster adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism - a treaty that was tabled by India at the UN way back in 1996.  

The US was not at the BRICS table, but it was at the receiving end.

The BRICS Delhi declaration condemned unilateral economic and secondary sanctions, stressing that they could undermine development, food security, healthcare and human rights.

Indian leadership's phrase 'makes it' -- "We encourage increasing efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy" :::: BRICS Delhi Declaration says "no woman has ever been elected for the role of Secretary General" ::: BRICS seeks to highlight the need to enhance energy security by ensuring energy market stability

 "In light of the ongoing selection process of the next Secretary-General of the UN and bearing in mind the relevant provisions of the UN Charter, 

.... we note that no woman has ever been elected for the role of Secretary General, and only one national from Latin America and Caribbean, and only two nationals from Africa and Asia each have ever occupied this position.  

It said --  "We stress the need for the selection and appointment process of the UN executive heads and senior positions to be guided by the principles of transparency and inclusiveness, and carried out in accordance with all the provisions of Article 101 of the UN Charter,

..... 

 with due regard for recruiting staff on a geographical basis as wide as possible and the increased participation of women".  

The Declaration "deplored attempts, including by deliberately withholding assessed contributions, to unilaterally undermine the work of global multilateral institutions".  

It said  --  "BRICS countries will continue playing a pivotal role in voicing the concerns and priorities of the Global South, as well as promoting a more just, sustainable, inclusive, representative and stable international order based on international law."     

The declaration "reiterated the need to intensify" the fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance as well as discrimination based on religion, faith or belief, and all their contemporary forms around the world.  

The Declaration said -

"We recognize that energy security is a crucial foundation for social and economic development, national security and the welfare of all nations. 

We highlight the need to enhance energy security by ensuring energy market stability and maintaining undisrupted flows of energy from diverse sources, strengthening value chains, ensuring resilience and protection of critical energy infrastructure, including cross-border infrastructure. 

"We acknowledge fossil fuels will still play an important role in the world’s energy mix, particularly for emerging markets and developing economies ...".  

We express deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia and, recalling our respective national positions, call for exercising maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation. 

Furthermore, we urge to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in their entirety and interconnectedness, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States. 

We encourage increasing efforts, through dialogue and diplomacy, towards a longterm understanding that will contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region. We stress the need to work together to maintain smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law.  

ends 

Xi Jinping urges BRICS to play 'leading role' in global peace ::: For west, it was 'hard' to admit that Russia can keep fighting for a long time

Xi Jinping urges bloc to play leading role in global peace

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday,Sept 12, urged BRICS countries to play a pioneering role in maintaining peace and stability, according to Chinese state media. 

His remarks came during the summit in New Delhi, as leaders discussed major global conflicts and the grouping’s role in responding to international challenges. 

Xi called for greater cooperation among BRICS members on issues affecting global peace and security.

Xi Jinping says Middle East war causes serious losses

Xi Jinping also said the war in the Middle East has caused serious losses to people across the region and does not serve the common interests of the international community.

His remarks came during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where the impact of conflicts and the need for greater international cooperation are among the key issues being discussed.

The BRICS countries span different regions and have distinct histories, cultures and development paths, yet they have come together around shared aspirations for development and revitalization, strategic autonomy and improved global governance. Over the past 20 years, from the original "BRICS Four" to "Greater BRICS," the cooperation mechanism has withstood external attempts to divide and disrupt it, growing into a real force standing at the forefront of the Global South. 

Today, BRICS is home to major natural resources, big factories and vast markets. It has become a flagship and the most important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.  

Another facet that needs to be understood is in 2025, at the BRICS  summit at Kazan hosted by Russian president Vladimir Putin, the "signs of changing times" came out.

Originally a group of four and then five countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the meeting in Kazan welcomed four new members in 

Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. 

At least another couple of dozen countries showed up as observers and were interested in joining the club.

The argument by experts was that Putin’s interest in an 'expanded BRICS' bloc was to give a global message that – 

** Despite sanctions imposed and tightened since its invasion of Ukraine; – Russia was not at all isolated.

Like Putin, even China favoured expansion. India was not against but only favoured a criteria-based approach. Indirectly, New Delhi opposed Islamabad's backdoor entry. 

Putin quikcly developed an ambition of creating a BRICS currency as a rival to the US dollar. It did not make much headway.

Moreover, India, Brazil and South Africa were not against US per se and slo they were not keen to 'sever relations' with the US and other western countries.

The Modi Govt want to keep a foot in both camps or it wanted to maintain a strategic autonomy. "We are on our sides" - went the refarin.

Kazan Summit and later in Brazil (2025) - broad messages were given out.

One, -- China and India were/are willing customers for Putin’s oil.

-- The domestic Russian economy has also proved to be resilient. 

Secondly, it demonstrated that sanctions have not led to the collapse of the Russian economy.

For western governments it was 'hard' to acknowledge, Russia can keep fighting for a long time, and is winning the war against Ukraine. 

But an important message was -- 

The bigger 'emerging market economies' are unwilling to bow to the US presure.

China had already sensed that Tariffs would be coming in from western markets.

ends 

"We are not against anyone" ::::: "In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase" ::: "We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of BRICS" ... Modi

At the 18th BRICS Summit 2026, 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your active contribution and support in making India’s BRICS chairmanship a success. This year’s BRICS summit marks a historic milestone. 

We are celebrating the 20th anniversary of BRICS. 

"In human life, the age of 20 marks the beginning of a new phase of maturity and responsibility."  

"Today, BRICS, too, has reached a moment of 'coming of age'. Over the past two decades, BRICS has established a distinct identity on the global stage. 

"We respect each other's perspectives and move forward through consensus. 

We strive to advance not by opposing anyone, but by taking everyone along. 

Now is the time for us to translate our unity and consensus within BRICS into tangible results on the global stage."   

The Prime Minister noted '20 years of BRICS' because the bloc is celebrating its two-decade anniversary since initial foundational steps began in 2006. 

 

Modi said: "We need to transform this pyramid of privilege into a platform of partnership, where every country's voice is heard, every member has a stake, and the development of humanity remains at the heart of every effort. 

With this objective, I propose that we work together to prepare 10 proposals for global governance reform, which we can seek to develop into a BRICS Reform Roadmap by the next summit...". 

Blogger 

Modi says, "...Friends, the message from this BRICS Summit being hosted by India should be clear. 

If our future is shared, the right to shape that future should also be shared. From voice to impact, from privilege to partnership, this should be the guiding resolve of BRICS at present." 

ends 

Naga veteran bats for President's Rule in Nagaland ::: "Changing times and changing vision .... an ever-changing phenomena ... nobody can stop it ... because God is our Cross" - S C Jamir at press conference in Dimapur

"Now time is changing, I told them (RSS leaders). Changing times and changing vision. There is an ever-changing phenomena, that is time is ever changing phenomena and nobody can stop it. Nobody can Change it too... because God is our Cross," veteran Naga leader S C Jamir told a press conference in Dimapur on Saturday (Sept 12).  

Former chief minister, who served under Nehru as Parliamentary Secy, was Governor in Gujarat,  Maharaashtra, Goa and Odisha.

Jamir had met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Delhi on Sept 10. The meeting lasted more than an hour.   

S C Jamir flanked by social activist Therja Therieh and ex IAS H K khulu

"You cannot delay it...," he said perhaps referring to various problems confronting the Naga society.

"That means we have to change our thoughts, our minds we have to change according to times," the 95-year-old emphasised. 

"So even to RSS (leaders) I told them, your philosophy was different in pre-independence days, but today your philosophy ... you are in tune with the changing times," Jamir added.

 

"This is a very important press conference as far as I am concerned. I had decided to meet RSS chief because of a lot of confusion in the minds of our people regarding RSS, BJP and many other things. 

But no one has gone to the roots. Therefore I decided that I should meet personally the chief of RSS. 

My intention was to clarify certain things which I have already mentioned in my speech which I distributed just now. 

There I have given what we think about the Constitution and what constitutional history, the background I have given a little bit. 

Apart from that I have raised certain issues today."

Jamir met Bhagwat on Sept 10 - a day before Bhagwat's birthday 

"What (who) is an Indian? I ask. What makes an Indian? There is unity in diversity. When we go to area of why you go to Maharashtra, Nagaland, then Tripura, then mountains, we have seen heavy mountains, you find different cultures...," Jamir told the media in Dimapur.

Understandably, Bhagwat had invited Jamir for the dialogue.

 

The RSS chief just had an extensive tour of three nations - the US, Canada and the UK.  

Sources told this blogger both the leaders also discussed about Bhagwat's trip overseas and especially his speech in New York.  

Bhagwat's interaction with S C Jamir makes a significant messaging as he is the last surviving signatory to the Naga Peace Accord of 1960 -- based on which Statehood was granted to Nagaland. 

Sources said: - "It was heart to heart talk and the subject matters varied from the present socio-political conditions to philosophy and finer Constitutional matters".  

Jamir reportedly said:  

"As Governor of Gujarat for a brief spell, I have held official and even informal discussions on socio-economic and political matters with former RSS pracharak and the then chief minister, Shri Narendra Modi - who is now Prime Minister of India. 

But anything formal and that too with a man of Shri Bhagwat's stature is first time today and hence it has a special significance. I know the RSS as a very serious social organisation with a strong commitment of its own definition of cultural nationalism."   

Jamir also has stated:

"I have functioned closely in various capacities with all Prime Ministers of independent India, starting with Jawaharlal Nehru. 

"But as a Naga and at this ripe age with pain in heart; I sought his intervention so that the Govt of India finally closes down on the peace negotiations and sign a final Solution agreement on Naga issues with all Naga underground factions," said 95-year-old veteran leader.  

Sharing some anecdotes;  Jamir told the RSS chief : "... when we say 'Hindu India' -- as an old timer; I also know this is the Bharat - which cherishes Secularism, Pluralism, mutual tolerance and love and dedication to nationhood. 

"I am a born Christian and a tribal Naga. With Shri Vajpayee ji; I had shared some lighter moments once. 

I told him - Sir, I have two differences with you - I am a Christian and you are a Hindu and I am a tribal Naga and you are an upper caste Hindu Brahmin.  

As we all know, Vajpayeeji had a very good sense of humour. He immediately told me - "Mr Jamir, there is a third difference ...  I keep talking about Akhand Bharat. But to keep our India 'akhand (un-divided)'; you have taken bullets on your body. I have never had such an honour." 

Jamir underlined -- ".... the big message was -- Nagas are nationalists and patriots. During Kargil war, we gave a martyred young officer from Kohima district. 

We have many civil service officials and other Naga professionals."  

However, he added:   

"But when it comes to some 'treatment' by some people -- we Nagas have reasons to feel unhappy and hurt to be precise." 

Jamir said, during his conversation with Bhagwat; he wanted to 

emphasise on the importance of "nation building of this lovely land of ours called India or Bharat." 

"Our country is multi-religious and multi-cultural and this is our greatest strength. I need not repeat - but the Democracy has not only survived; but it has thrived along with unprecedented scales of Development and new heights of scientific achievements and wisdom.'

Jamir made a reference to the South Asia neighbourhood and said - 

"Who on earth around 1947 would have imagined that in contrast to our giant leaps over the last seven decades; two of our neigbours Bangladesh and Pakistan are bleeding and struggling to keep Democracy alive."  

"This might bring us to the crux of the debate - a Hindu India and two Islamic countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh," the former Governor of Gujarat emphasised.  

"Nagas are very emotional and very touchy about our religious identity," he said adding, "I urged for some kinds of assurance from the RSS chief that his organisation directly or indirectly will never confront Church or Christians". 

"We would not like programmes such as Ghar Wapsi (back to Hinduism) in states like Nagaland or in any parts of north east India." 

On the critical and finer aspects of Naga talks, Jamir underlined that the "Govt of India needs to speak with authority especially with the leadership of the NSCN-IM".  

He also maintained that -- all discussions on Naga talks are "over" as as stated by Nagaland Governor R N Ravi in 2020.

"But, the Sabotage or the Status Quo club want to delay the date with the Solution. For them, the sufferings of Naga people and violence is a lucrative money-minting scheme".  

He urged Bhagwat to impress upon the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to finally sign the Solution Agreement preferably by the end of calendar year 2026".

Jamir pointed out -- the party-less Govt in Nagaland is "nothing but a shadow".

"Worse, the BJP is part of the coalition Govt and the chief minister (Neiphiu Rio) has time and again displayed favourable tilt towards one particular Naga underground". 

He finally pitched for dismissal or the ouster of the NPF-BJP dispensation and said ... 

"The Govt of India should help restore the normal health of the government in Nagaland under President's Rule". 

ends 

China's 'good-neighbourliness' message ahead of PM Modi-Xi talks at BRICS Summit ::: "China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance"

China's Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, said that Beijing will work with New Delhi for the strategic guidance of the two nations, handle ties from a long-term perspective, enhance cooperation and be friends helping each other succeed.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have their high-stakes and much-awaited bilateral meeting later in the day on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. 

Xi Jinping will reach New Delhi after 12 noon, sources said.

Ahead of it, Beijing sent out a message of "good neighbourliness", stressing that both the Asian giants should focus on their long-term friendship and "properly handle differences".

This will be Xi's first visit to India in seven years since 2019, even as both Beijing and New Delhi continue their cautious efforts in normalising diplomatic relations after the 2020 Galwan clash.

Commenting on the meeting, Chinese envoy to India Xu Feihong said that Beijing will work with New Delhi towards a strategic betterment of ties between the two nations.

"China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, ....

.... 

properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed," Xu tweeted.  

The bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi would mark the third consecutive year that the two leaders met, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.   

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning echoed Xu in stressing "good neighbourliness".

Mao also said that China was ready to work with BRICS countries to settle disputes through dialogue and negotiation and contribute to peace and stability amid the Iran-US conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war.

She said BRICS had emerged as a key platform for emerging markets and developing countries and had become "a real force standing at the forefront of the Global South".

BRICS Summit in Delhi is 'more than' just that :::: Hidden but more powerful message is Trust in the US is eroding :::: Unipolar world order that Bush boasted of in 1991 has collapsed !!

 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in his speech at the BRICS Business Forum called on the BRICS members on Friday to expand the use of national currencies in trade, strengthen financial cooperation. 

This by itself shows the 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi is 'more than' just that ... without telling in as many words. Countries are now simply questioning the rules of a game long rigged in Washington’s favour vis-a-vis Dollar. The refrain is now clear - De-dollarisation is not a threat to global stability. 

The hidden but more powerful message is that the Trust in the US is eroding.  

As he has been ambitious always for 'glories'; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may achieve something big at the end of the Summit.

'BRICS' is changed from it was. There is a subtler and more strategic ambition but seemingly feasible.

The challenge from Iran is significant. Russia president Vladimir Putin has broad-based it by making a veiled criticism of G-7.  

More and more countries would not mind to insulate themselves from America's gravitational structures, restrictions and pull.

At the same time, the BRICS - now 11 full-fledged  members and also the rest are also marching a head to build a joint hi-tech industrial base.  

"Economic security is not separate from national and regional security. Whenever a country's trade, energy, infrastructure, or financial system comes under political-military pressure, its effects transcend that country's borders and impact the region and even the global economy," the Iranian president was clear and assertive.  

Some of the problems in real sense have been created by the US.

Trump slapped tariffs on Brazil over its internal politics. This angered the rest of the world. Washington preferred to turn 'economic diplomacy' into personal vendetta. This meant how the rules-based order has been unravelling.  

The postwar order since the middle of the last century stood on three pillars: 

Open Trade, US dominance and hydrocarbons.

All three are cracking. From 2025 itself; BRICS has already surpassed the G7 in terms of purchasing power parity - amplifying its demands for a more fairly balanced global financial system. 

Take a closer view and one can understand that -- weaponisation of the dollar has backfired on the US. 

Other nations including Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil and of course even China, Iran and India are displaying the resilient and the killer instinct to reclaim their sovereignty. 

They also want to make it clear that -- the Economic resilience is not possible without diversification of trade partners, financing sources, and payment mechanisms.  

“China stands ready to work with India... by strengthening communication, enhancing cooperation, and properly handling differences,” said Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. 

In some ways, the strategic rivalry and the deep mistrust of the past may be set aside.  

India maintains cordial relations with Iran and also Israel, but has to strike a delicate balance with the Trump-led administration. 

So far, India has navigated the energy crisis sparked by the US-Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Meanwhile, BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors have issued a statement calling for reform of global developmental financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

In other words, they are seeking a stronger voice for emerging market economies.  

BRICS Delhi under the stewardship of PM Modi and ably supported by China, Iran and Russia can give a clearer missive that the unipolar new world order that George Bush boasted of in 1991 at the end of the first Gulf War has collapsed.  Trump may not realise this. 

Foundation of a 'neoliberal utopia' may be laid in Delhi. 

ends