Xi Jinping in Delhi: China Talks ‘Fairness, Justice’ Ahead of PM Modi Meet

As Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th Brics summit, he touted the grouping as a beacon of cooperation and fairness in an increasingly turbulent world. Beijing’s state-run media has praised Brics for its commitment to openness and inclusiveness, hailing it as a “unique value” that will only grow more relevant as global uncertainty deepens.

India, hosting the summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” must navigate complex interests and initiatives transforming Brics into a unified entity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with Xi will test the waters on China’s priorities for Brics cooperation, particularly as Beijing prepares to take over the rotating presidency in 2027.

China plans to make its mark through the Global Development Initiative, which aims to promote sustainable development, poverty reduction, and green growth. This initiative aligns with Modi’s economic development priorities but raises questions about foreign capital and expertise driving these goals. Will Brics cooperation become a vehicle for Chinese investment and influence or a genuinely collaborative effort?

The Global Times has identified areas where China seeks concrete outcomes from the summit: digital economy, green development, artificial intelligence, poverty reduction, and agriculture. However, India’s priorities remain unclear. Modi will press Xi on issues like terrorism, border disputes, and trade imbalances straining bilateral relations.

Xi’s plans to outline initiatives for expanding Brics cooperation raise further questions about Beijing’s commitment to multilateralism. Is China using Brics as a means to consolidate its influence in the Global South or genuinely creating an inclusive framework? The answers will be crucial for India’s diplomatic strategy, both short-term and long-term, as it navigates an increasingly multipolar world.

China’s redefinition of its role within Brics under Xi’s leadership has transformed the grouping from a counterweight to US influence into a platform for promoting Beijing’s developmental model and expanding soft power. The 18th summit marks an important inflection point in this process. As India hosts the meeting, it can shape the agenda and set the tone for future cooperation.

But the real test will come in 2027 when China takes over the presidency and must put its money where its mouth is on issues like economic development, climate action, and peacebuilding. The Modi-Xi talks will be a historic opportunity for bilateral relations or mere diplomatic posturing – only time will tell.