PM Modi, Putin and Xi hold hands at BRICS summit in a powerful show of unity

The camaraderie was not without precedent, with the three leaders having shared a similar moment at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen holding hands at the BRICS summit on Saturday, in a display of bonhomie between the leaders.The latest photograph comes even as India hosts the BRICS summit amid heightened geopolitical tensions. (X/ @narendramodi)The striking moment of camaraderie was not without precedent, with the three leaders having shared a similar warm moment at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek earlier this month. The latest photograph comes even as India hosts the BRICS summit amid heightened geopolitical tensions, providing an added significance to their public show of unity.Jinping is in India after seven years, his last visit being in 2019 for an informal summit with PM Modi, months before the 2020 India-China standoff when relations plummeted to their lowest point since the 1962 border war. However, there has been a thaw in ties since then, with an an understanding being reached in October 2024 on disengagement of troops at all “friction points” in Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Putin, meanwhile, has visited India in December, 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.The two-day BRICS summit, being held on September 12 and September 13 in New Delhi, has also seen attendance from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.BRICS adopts New Delhi declaration; voices concerns on rise of unilateral tariffsThe BRICS group of nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration on Saturday, the first day of the annual summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. “No member has raised any objection. The New Delhi Declaration 2026 is adopted unanimously,” PM Modi said.The joint statement by member countries condemned the imposition of “unilateral coercive measures which are contrary to international law”, while expressing concern about growing risks of nuclear danger and conflict, Reuters news agency reported. It said nuclear safeguards, safety and security must always be upheld, including in armed conflicts.The declaration stressed the need to work together to maintain smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, while voicing serious concerns about rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with World Trade Organisation rules.Deep DiveFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More