Xi and Putin likely to be in Delhi for BRICS meet, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are likely to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
• Putin's presence was confirmed by Russian officials, and he will also attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 31 and September 1.
• Xi's participation marks his first visit to India since October 2019, when he attended the second informal summit of India-China leaders in Mamallapuram.
• Bilateral ties between India and China deteriorated after a border standoff in April-May 2020, with stabilization efforts beginning after Prime Minister Modi's intervention.

Detailed Insights:

• The anticipated visit of Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS Summit holds significant importance amidst ongoing efforts to mend strained relations following the 2020 border standoff.
• Putin's visit to China involved discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, cooperation across various sectors, and addressing international and regional issues of mutual concern, highlighting the strategic alignment between Russia and China.
• The frequent meetings and personal rapport between Xi and Putin, characterized by mutual trust and cooperation in areas like trade, energy, and security, underscore the deepening strategic partnership between China and Russia.
• The BRICS summit serves as a crucial platform for discussing and addressing key global challenges, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting multilateralism among member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Key Concepts Involved:

• BRICS: An intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa that aims to promote economic cooperation and multilateralism.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO): A Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
• Bilateral Ties: Relations between two countries, encompassing diplomatic, economic, cultural, and political interactions.