Washington, Sep 2026 : Major US newspapers have portrayed the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi as an important reflection of a changing global order, highlighting strained alliances, ongoing conflicts and growing strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.
The New York Times said the central question surrounding the summit was whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Chinese President Xi Jinping would emerge as the more influential voice of the developing world.
According to the newspaper, China views BRICS as an important platform for challenging American influence, while India wants to keep the grouping sufficiently broad so that its members are not compelled to choose between competing geopolitical blocs.
The report noted that wars, elevated energy prices, US tariffs and growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence are prompting countries to reassess their relationships with both Washington and Beijing.
“China’s primary concern with India has always been India’s alignment with the United States,” Yun Sun, director of the China programme at the Stimson Center in Washington, was quoted as saying. She added that Beijing would not want to miss an opportunity to regain influence with New Delhi.
Xi's participation in the summit is particularly significant as it marks his first visit to India in seven years. His trip comes after a prolonged deterioration in India-China relations following the deadly 2020 border clash and a cautious diplomatic thaw that began in 2024.
The Chinese President is also scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 24. His presence in New Delhi, therefore, comes shortly before potentially significant talks between Beijing and Washington.
The Wall Street Journal similarly highlighted the changing dynamics between India, China and the United States. It suggested that uncertainty surrounding New Delhi's and Beijing's respective relations with Washington has created some space for the two Asian powers to reduce tensions.
“India is trying to readjust,” Srikanth Kondapalli, a professor of Chinese studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, told the newspaper.
However, the report noted that prospects for a major improvement in India-China ties remain limited by unresolved issues, particularly the border dispute, China's close relationship with Pakistan and strategic competition in the Indian Ocean.
Yun Sun also cautioned that the current improvement in bilateral relations could remain limited, noting that India may be waiting to see what strategic options emerge before making longer-term choices.
The Washington Post described India's role at the summit as a complex balancing exercise. Its reports noted the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Xi Jinping among the leaders attending the meeting. Prime Minister Modi held separate discussions with Putin and Pezeshkian ahead of the summit.
The newspaper highlighted the diverse interests within the expanded BRICS grouping. While its 11 members seek a greater role in shaping the international order, they have significant differences in their political, economic and foreign-policy priorities.
The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East could further expose those differences. India maintains longstanding strategic relationships with Russia and Iran while simultaneously expanding partnerships with the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia.
Against this backdrop, the New Delhi summit is being viewed in Washington as a significant test of India's ability to balance competing relationships while preserving its strategic autonomy and advancing the interests of the wider Global South.
Disclaimer: This article is sourced from a news agency and has not been independently edited by the MaverickNews30 team. The copy has been slightly edited with AI assistance for language and presentation, without altering the original facts.
