Explained: why BRICS 2023 summit is important for India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the BRICS Summit as New Delhi’s relations with Beijing remain strained. Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be at the diplomatic event in South Africa, leading to speculations about a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.

While Modi and Xi have met twice since the 2020 border standoff and the COVID-19 pandemic, they will now be part of a smaller grouping. Leaders of South Africa and Brazil will also be there, while Russian President Vladimir Putin will be joining virtually.

The opportunity to resolve border disputes with China comes as India prepares to host the G20 Summit in September, which will likely be attended by all BRICS members.

India could also discuss crucial topics like the war in Ukraine, Indo-Pacific security and climate change.

India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok.

Also see: PM Modi departs for first in-person BRICS summit since 2019

A joint statement described the talks as "positive, constructive and in-depth" and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.

(With PTI inputs)