New Delhi, August 24, 2023: In a significant development amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a handshake and brief conversation at the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The exchange took place before the leaders issued a joint statement for the summit. PM Modi and President Xi were observed walking and chatting together as they took their designated seats. Later, they exchanged a handshake on the summit stage.
This interaction marked a notable moment in their recent diplomatic history. The two leaders last exchanged pleasantries in November 2022 at the G20 dinner in Indonesia, following the China-India border standoff in eastern Ladakh in April 2020. The summit handshake and conversation carry diplomatic significance as India and China have been grappling with a standoff and strained relations for the past three years due to disputes on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Addressing the expansion of BRICS, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organization.” The leaders also announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will join BRICS as full members from January 2024.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shared the news, stating, “We’ve reached an agreement to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE to become full members of BRICS. The membership will come into effect from January 2024.”
The exchange between Modi and Xi, along with the expansion of BRICS, reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability and cooperation amidst geopolitical challenges.
The BRICS Summit’s theme revolves around breaking barriers, revitalizing economies, inspiring innovation, creating opportunities, and shaping the future, symbolizing the collective aspirations and endeavors of its member nations.
The diplomatic gesture and the decision to expand the BRICS alliance signal a positive step towards fostering cooperation and addressing global challenges collectively.
