Now Reading: Xi Jinping keeps India guessing on BRICS summit attendance
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Xi Jinping keeps India guessing on BRICS summit attendance
Chinese President Xi Jinping has not confirmed his attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24, leaving speculation over his participation. The Indian Express reported that Xi's silence…
Chinese President Xi Jinping has not confirmed his attendance at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, scheduled for October 22-24, leaving speculation over his participation. The Indian Express reported that Xi's silence may be a calculated signal to host Russia and fellow BRICS member India, amid strained Sino-Indian ties over the border standoff in eastern Ladakh. Russia, as this year's BRICS chair, is keen to project the grouping's unity despite the ongoing Ukraine war.
The BRICS grouping expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, making the summit a test of its collective influence. Xi skipping the event could be read as a snub to Russia, though Beijing has cited domestic priorities in the past for leader-level absences. A Chinese confirmation would signal willingness to engage with India in a multilateral setting, while a no-show may deepen perceptions of the rivalry.
The Kremlin expects delegations from all member states to attend. A final decision from Beijing is expected closer to the summit dates.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The BRICS summit dynamics have shifted since Russia assumed the chair in 2024. Under the expanded BRICS framework, Xi Jinping's attendance would signal China's continuing prioritisation of the Global South platform despite strained bilateral ties with India over border issues. Russia, facing Western isolation, needs a strong BRICS turnout to demonstrate diplomatic heft. India's position as the host for the 2025 BRICS summit adds a longer-term dimension: the precedent set this year will shape expectations for next year's gathering in New Delhi. The real test for BRICS cohesion will be visible in the joint statement language on issues such as Ukraine and U.N. reforms, where China and Russia's alignments often differ from India's calibrated neutrality. With the summit set for October 22-24 in Kazan, confirmation from Beijing within the next two weeks will be the key indicator.
Source: indianexpress.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
