Modi calls BRICS summit discussions "positive, constructive and meaningful"

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi from Sept. 11-13, with India chairing the expanded 11-nation bloc as it marks its 20th anniversary. Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived for his first trip to India in nearly seven years and is expected to meet Modi separately, while Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are also attending. Speaking with reporters before the gathering, Modi said he expected discussions to address the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East; the talks also occur amid US tariff threats over efforts to reduce dollar reliance, including plans to link payment systems and expand local-currency trade. The summit’s agenda covers food and energy security, health care, trade, technology and supply chains, with a joint declaration planned.