Interaction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping turned out to be one of the significant highlights of the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. The three heads of state were spotted together during the summit, making the world curious about their interactions amid increased scrutiny of India-Russia-China relations. Several photographs posted by Modi from the summit captured Putin, Xi, and other leaders taking part in the meeting of great significance. One of the photos that caught everyone’s eyes saw Modi holding hands with Putin and Xi in between the two presidents.
BRICS Summit 2026: Why Did Modi, Putin And Xi’s Picture Grab Attention?
In many ways, the picture appears quite similar to another photograph taken during the SCO Summit in Tianjin in 2025 where Modi, Putin and Xi were seen shaking hands. Hence, the latest photograph from New Delhi has invited comparisons with this previous occasion.
It may be pointed out that this photograph has come amid growing interest in the relations between India, Russia and China. All the three are major members of BRICS but there are differences in bilateral relations and priorities of all the three nations.
BRICS Summit 2026 gets underway in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/WN7YWi5bTg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2026
BRICS Summit 2026: What Did PM Modi Say About BRICS?
In his opening speech at the BRICS Summit, Mr. Modi noted the increasing importance of the BRICS grouping in international politics. According to him, BRICS has become an entity with a unique identity in international relations, and its future should be oriented more towards collaboration than confrontation. It is important to note that PM made it clear that BRICS cannot be regarded as a group established against Western states. “We are not against anyone, but we try to take everyone along.”
BRICS Summit 2026: What Is PM Modi’s Message To The Global South?
Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasized the issues of developing countries and the Global South in his speech. According to Modi, even though the developing countries are amongst the worst hit during global crises, they still don’t have much say in international decision-making.
“In today’s world, the Global South is in the front row when it comes to global crises but sits in the back row when it comes to decision-making. We need to convert this ‘pyramid of privilege’ into a ‘platform of partnership,’ where everyone has a voice and a stake, and the betterment of humanity is the bottom line,” he said
BRICS Summit 2026: How Is India Pushing For Global Governance Reform?
These statements reveal India’s efforts to make international institutions more representative in nature. India has time and again stressed on making institutional reforms in international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council. India believes that these organizations need restructuring according to the contemporary geopolitical and economic realities. Moreover, Modi’s statements made during the BRICS summit are in line with India’s overall efforts to make developing nations have a say in the world affairs.
BRICS Summit 2026: What Does Modi-Putin-Xi’s Picture Mean?
The Modi-Putin-Xi picture has gained prominence not only due to the presence of three influential leaders but also due to the time when they met. This took place during the BRICS summit where the themes of cooperation, the Global South, and global governance were discussed.
This image has a resemblance to the 2025 Tianjin moment, which was the presence of the same trio of leaders. However, this image cannot be viewed as an evidence of a formal alliance among the three countries, considering that all of them have their strategic interests and differences.
The summit is a chance for India to promote BRICS as a forum of discussion, economic partnership, and voice for the Global South despite interacting with other nations as well.
