India
Source: www.hindustantimes.com

India in ‘frank’ talks with Brics states over meeting declaration

Key topics include territorial integrity, maritime commerce, and the West Asia conflict, amid tensions between Iran and the UAE.

India is engaged in “frank” conversations with all Brics member states to finalise a consensus declaration at the grouping’s summit in New Delhi next month, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday against the backdrop of differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the West Asia conflict.

The ongoing discussions have also focused on resolving the crisis in West Asia through dialogue and diplomacy and ensuring the unimpeded flow of maritime commerce, the people said.

India is set to host the 18th Brics Summit on September 12-13, with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin expected to attend. This will be Xi’s first trip to India in seven years and he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The discussions among the Brics states in preparatory meetings have focused on territorial integrity, free flow of maritime commerce, protection of civilians and civil infrastructure, and resolving the West Asia conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, the people said.

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in severe energy supply disruptions. Iran and the UAE being on opposite sides of the conflict have hit discussions within the Brics grouping.

India
Source: whispersinthecorridors.in

Chinese delegation of 400+ led by President Xi to attend Delhi BRICS Summit

Logistical preparations are being ramped up in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit scheduled for September 12–13, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to make his first visit to India in seven years.

Chinese advance teams and local hosts are actively coordinating complex security protocols and securing major hotel accommodations across the capital. Reflecting a significant scale-up in operations, President Xi is anticipated to travel with an expansive delegation of approximately 400 officials. This represents more than double the size of the Chinese contingent that attended his previous visit in 2019.

The extensive logistical footprint comes as both nations work to stabilize bilateral relations following the deadly 2020 border clashes and recent diplomatic friction. Despite ongoing tensions, the coordination required for housing, transport, and safeguarding the oversized delegation signals an operational opening between Beijing and New Delhi. These extensive preparations follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China, highlighting a gradual resumption of high-level diplomatic exchanges.

Ethiopia
Source: www.ena.et

BRICS Environment Ministers Back Ethiopia’s COP32 Presidency

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2026 (ENA) —BRICS Environment and Climate Ministers have expressed support for Ethiopia’s presidency of the 32nd UN Climate Change Conference (COP32).

The endorsement came in a Joint Ministerial Statement adopted at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on August 18, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship.

During the meeting, the Ethiopian delegation highlighted the country’s Green Legacy Initiative and its efforts to advance environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable development.
In its social media post, Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi, India, said the endorsement reinforced the country’s growing role in shaping the global climate agenda.

Ethiopia also presented progress in forest development, land restoration and sustainable land management as it prepares to assume the COP32 presidency.

The support from BRICS countries adds diplomatic weight to Ethiopia’s upcoming leadership of the global climate process, while placing the country’s environmental initiatives within a broader framework of international cooperation.

The meeting brought together environment and climate ministers and senior representatives from BRICS member states to advance cooperation on shared environmental challenges.

Discussions focused on four key areas including sustainable lifestyles; afforestation, forest-fire management and disaster resilience; the circular economy; and climate adaptation.

The ministers adopted the Joint Ministerial Statement by consensus and launched four knowledge compendiums developed under the BRICS Environment Working Group.

The outcome documents address sustainable lifestyles and integrated landscape management to combat desertification, strengthen sustainable land management and improve ecosystem resilience.
They also cover forest-fire preparedness and response, as well as people-centered and community-based approaches to climate adaptation that draw on traditional knowledge.

Held under India’s overarching BRICS theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting underscored the bloc’s efforts to deepen environmental and climate cooperation through knowledge sharing, innovation and capacity building.

For Ethiopia, the BRICS backing comes at a strategically important moment as it prepares to take the helm of COP32 and place Africa’s climate priorities, resilience needs and development aspirations more prominently on the global agenda, it was learned.

China
Source: www.mfa.gov.cn

Eight Points of Outcomes and Consensus for the 25th Round of Talks Between Special Representatives of China and India on the Boundary Question

On August 25, 2026, the 25th Round of Talks Between the Special Representatives (SR) of China and India on the Boundary Question was held in Beijing, China. H.E.Wang Yi, Special Representative of China, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and H.E. Ajit Doval, Special Representative of India and National Security Advisor, had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the China-India boundary question and reached eight points of outcomes and consensus as follows:

1.The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to uphold the guidance received from the leaders of the two countries, maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and create an atmosphere for healthy and steady development of bilateral relations.

2.The two sides underlined their commitment to advancing negotiations on a framework for the settlement of the boundary question in accordance with the Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for Settlement of the China-India Boundary Question signed in 2005 and the consensus reached in subsequent SR talks, in pursuit of a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution.

3.The Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and Working Group on Border Management under the WMCC would respectively advance discussions on an Early and Substantial Harvest of boundary delimitation and Border Management. The first task for both these groups would be to agree on their respective Terms of Reference.

4.The two sides agreed that any situation on the ground would be addressed promptly through existing diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the LAC. The two sides discussed ways to improve understanding of the LAC in appropriate areas for better border management.

5.With the objective to improve the border management measures, an additional two meeting points were agreed for holding the General Level Mechanism/Senior Highest Military Commander meeting(SHMC). Similarly two additional channels of border military hotline in the Eastern and Middle Sectors were agreed.

6.Both sides noted the progress on trans-border cooperation. The Indian side appreciated the efforts made by the Chinese side to increase the number of batches of Indian official pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in Xizang Autonomous Region of China. Both sides appreciated the reopening of the three designated border trading points. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in border trade, pilgrimage and other areas, with the view of working together to create an atmosphere featuring dialogue, peace, consultation and cooperation in the border areas.

7.The two sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the China-India Expert-Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers in September and maintain communication on issues including hydrological data sharing, and renewal of relevant MoUs.

8. The two sides agreed to hold the 26th Round of SR Talks in India in 2027.

USA
Source: www.reuters.com

Summary

• Xi likely to attend Delhi BRICS summit, sources say
• Xi's first India visit in seven years signals thaw
• China planning 400-member delegation for BRICS meet
• Xi visit may test fragile India-China rapprochement

NEW DELHI, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Chinese ​President Xi Jinping is likely to attend next month's BRICS summit in New Delhi with a ‌large delegation, three sources said, in what would be his first visit in seven years and a fresh sign of a thaw between the rivals.

India is hosting the September 12 to 13 summit, where Xi's presence would be watched less for the BRICS ​agenda than for what it signals about Beijing and New Delhi's efforts to stabilise relations after deadly ​border clashes in 2020.

"Chinese officials are busy finalising hotels and security protocols," one of the ⁠Indian sources with direct knowledge told Reuters.

Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time ​in seven years, but the relationship has only improved gradually. More recently, a fresh border-related dispute triggered sharp diplomatic ​exchanges between the two sides.

Two other Indian sources said Xi was likely to be accompanied by a delegation of about 400 officials, compared with fewer than 200 officials the last time in 2019.

Officials from both countries are expected to use the summit to explore ​ways to expand engagement while managing long-standing differences over the border and regional security issues, the sources added.

Xi's ​final travel plans and agenda for any potential bilateral between India and China are yet to be finalised, the sources said.

The Chinese foreign ‌ministry ⁠said, "China attaches great importance to and actively participates in BRICS cooperation, and supports India, the current chair, in successfully hosting this year's BRICS summit."

"We currently have no information available to provide" about Xi's visit, it said. Xi missed the last BRICS summit in 2025 in Brazil.

India's foreign ministry did not comment.

INDIA-CHINA BORDER ISSUE

The world's two most populous ​nations, both nuclear powers, share ​a roughly 3,800-km (2,400-mile), largely ⁠undemarcated and disputed border in the Himalayas.

Decades of relative peace along the border were shattered by 2020 clashes where 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed. The incident ​led to a four-year military standoff before reaching a disengagement pact in October ​2024.

But on August ⁠12, India said peace along the border was critical to ties after reports that Indian and Chinese army patrols came face-to-face in late July near a remote border.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday started his visit to Beijing to ⁠meet Chinese ​Foreign Minister Wang Yi to hold talks on the boundary issue.

While ​India and China remain competitors, U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies have created one area of convergence, making Xi's attendance a signal that neither ​side wants external pressure to undermine BRICS.

Ethiopia
Source: www.fanamc.com

Addis Ababa, August 27, 2026 (FMC) — African institutions should formally propose establishing a technical bridge between the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and the BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative (BCBPI) at the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, TV BRICS reported, citing South Africa’s IOL.

The proposal was put forward by Phapano Phasha, chairperson of the Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought, who said closer integration of the two systems would help Africa reduce cross-border transaction costs, limit dependence on foreign currencies in intra-African and Africa-BRICS trade, and accelerate financial integration.

Africa is entering the summit with significant economic and institutional assets, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which represents a market of 1.4 billion people with an economic area valued at US$3.4 trillion.

PAPSS is already providing an operational platform for cross-border transactions in African national currencies, offering a foundation for deeper integration with emerging BRICS payment mechanisms.
Phasha noted that South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are already BRICS members, while several other African countries are seeking partner-country status, giving the continent greater diplomatic leverage to advance its interests within the grouping.

She pointed to India’s financial sector as a potential model for Africa, noting that foreign investment in the country’s banking, non-bank finance, insurance and financial technology sectors had reached US$13.1 billion in the weeks leading up to the summit.

India, which assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2026, has prioritised financial stability, cross-border payments, financial technology cooperation and private-capital mobilisation.
BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors addressed these priorities at a meeting in Jaipur in mid-August, while trade ministers subsequently focused on trade finance, digital services and sustainable supply chains.

Phasha also proposed that African BRICS members seek a specialised infrastructure fund for Africa within the New Development Bank (NDB), drawing on India’s experience of combining development financing with private capital from participating countries.

The NDB approved a US$1 billion loan for municipal infrastructure in South Africa earlier this year.
She further encouraged African regulators to examine India’s approaches to foreign investment limits, licensing requirements and financial technology regulation and adapt relevant practices to local circumstances.

Among the potential summit outcomes, Phasha proposed establishing a joint working group on the interoperability of BRICS and African fintech solutions, including integration of PAPSS into BRICS payment mechanisms.

She also called for a framework to channel private capital from banks and investors in BRICS countries into African financial institutions, citing investment deals between India and the United Arab Emirates as a potential benchmark.

Indonesia
Source: en.antaranews.com

Indonesia, India pursue strategic industrial cooperation at BRICS

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The governments of Indonesia and India discussed strategic cooperation spanning data centers, digital industrial transformation, and semiconductors.

The potential for enhanced collaboration was addressed during a bilateral meeting between Indonesian Deputy Industry Minister Faisol Riza and Indian Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada, held on the sidelines of the 10th BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur, India.

"We hope this meeting will further strengthen ties between our two countries while unlocking more opportunities for concrete, actionable, and mutually beneficial industrial collaboration," Riza said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He noted that the bilateral meeting serves as a follow-up to the deepening relationship between both nations following Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to India for Republic Day in 2025 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Indonesia in July 2026.

These high-level meetings mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, industrial downstreaming, and human resource development.

Trade relations between Indonesia and India continue to expand, reaching US$23.16 billion in 2025, with Indonesian exports accounting for US$18.32 billion and imports standing at US$4.84 billion.

However, Indonesia’s non-oil and gas manufacturing exports to India have declined in recent years. Addressing this trend was a key agenda item as both nations aim to expand market access for Indonesian manufactured goods.

The bilateral talks followed Indonesia's admission as a full member of BRICS, opening broader opportunities for industrial collaboration with fellow member states, including India.

The Indian delegation welcomed Indonesia’s proposals for cooperation in strategic sectors, particularly green industry development, semiconductors, and agro-industry.

Indian officials also raised concerns regarding Indonesia’s import quota restrictions on several Indian products. The Indonesian delegation agreed to forward the issue to relevant ministries for review.

Indonesia invited India to expand semiconductor collaboration, given the sector's strategic role in supporting priority areas such as electronics, automotive, telecommunications, energy, and digital transformation.

Digital industrial transformation cooperation will focus on automation, artificial intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing, and data center development to boost both countries' productivity and competitiveness.

India
Source: www.hindustantimes.com

18th BRICS Academic Forum: Meet ends at LU, council presents recommendationsThe recommendations were presented to Shambhu L Hakki, joint secretary (MER), ministry of external affairs and BRICS Sous-Sherpa

The BRICS Think Tanks Council on Tuesday presented its recommendations during the concluding session of the 18th BRICS Academic Forum at Lucknow University, recommending practical pathways to build economic and climate resilience, deepen cooperation on innovation and technology, advance sustainable development and support a more inclusive multilateral system.

The recommendations were presented to Shambhu L Hakki, joint secretary (MER), ministry of external affairs and BRICS Sous-Sherpa. The Forum, convened by Observer Research Foundation in partnership with Research and Information System for Developing Countries and LU, brought together policymakers, academicians and experts from BRICS nations under the theme ‘Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability’.

A Youth Townhall was held where Hakki said BRICS is not anti-something nor aimed at replacing existing global institutions, but a complementary institution filling gaps in development finance, citing the New Development Bank as an example.

“India as chair has adopted a constructive approach, producing consensus documents across ministerials, with practical outcomes such as cooperation frameworks on agriculture inputs discussed in Indore, a proposed startup innovation fund, supply chain and logistics mechanism, BRICS Connect for skilling, understanding on global value chains and a science and research depository, besides ICT ministerial deliberations on emerging technologies including AI in Pune,” he said.

Emphasising India’s approach of taking diplomacy to cities like Lucknow, Pune and Kochi, he said such meetings include Janbhagidari activities like heritage tours, yoga, walkathons, visits to local industries and Gramin Haat, tasting local cuisine.

“Taking diplomacy to cities like Lucknow, Pune and Kochi is aimed at making people part of diplomatic initiatives. Wherever meetings are held, delegates take cultural heritage tours, do yoga, walkathons, see local artifacts, industries and Gramin Haat products and try local cuisine,” said Hakki.

“The idea is simple: you cannot grow alone. Countries must work together and grow together,” Hakki added, underscoring partnership and collective development guiding BRICS cooperation.

He said that as part of Janbhagidari, a quiz on BRICS is live and students can scan the QR code to participate for an introduction to BRICS.

Citing outcomes, he said work is underway on a startup innovation fund, a supply chain mechanism in logistics, cooperation to protect farmers as discussed by agriculture ministers, BRICS Connect for skilling, understanding on global value chains and a science and research depository.

UN official lauds Family ID initiative

UN resident coordinator in India Stefan Priesner and Unicef India deputy representative Jesper Moller met with UP government officials during their visit to the city for the BRICS Child Futures Forum.

Priesner met chief secretary Shashi Prakash Goyal and proposed periodic review meetings between the chief secretary’s office and UN agencies to accelerate development results. The chief secretary appreciated UN agencies’ support for the state’s priorities.

Moller met additional chief secretary, women and child development, Leena Johari and congratulated UP for reducing stunting from 39.7% to 31.5% and rolling out new Take Home Ration as per NFSA 2023 norms.

The delegation also reviewed UP’s Family ID initiative led by special secretary, IT & electronics and MD Updesco Sameer Verma. The platform has enrolled over 16 crore citizens — 14.7 crore ration card holders and 1.3 crore self-registered — integrating 98 schemes (14 GoI and 84 GoUP). It is supporting the Zero Poverty Mission. With Unicef support, it has added over 748,000 children to ration cards and enrolled nearly 376,000 in basic education.