Some of my takes:
Trade
This is a point I find particularly interesting. Xi called for:
Addressing each other’s economic and trade concerns in a balanced manner and promoting the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
In a balanced manner” is a choice of words I believe is worth chewing. It’s not just language signaling cooperation. It’s also calling for reciprocity. I read it as Beijing pushing back against a one-sided understanding of improved economic ties as primarily a matter of addressing India’s demands. China also expects India to respond to Chinese concerns; on top of that is the business environment for Chinese companies operating in India. It also implicitly signals Beijing’s view that its own economic and trade concerns have yet to receive an adequate response.
Boundary Issue: The “Two-Track” Approach Enters Leader-Level Messaging
The formulation had previously appeared in a meeting between Wang Yi and India’s Special Representative on the boundary question, Ajit Doval. China and India have long differed in their emphasis on how to manage the boundary issue in relation to the broader bilateral relationship. Beijing maintains that the boundary issue should be placed within the larger context of bilateral ties, while New Delhi places greater emphasis on stability along the border as a prerequisite for improving relations. This kind of tension has complicated the improvement of bilateral ties and made the border issue a drag on the relationship.
The Chinese readout this time calls for:
Advancing bilateral relations and the boundary issue in parallel, allowing the two tracks to reinforce each other.
This is a step forward from the language in the Chinese readout of the August 31, 2025 meeting in Tianjin, which stated that the boundary issue should not define the overall China–India relationship. At least from Beijing’s perspective, the boundary issue has moved a little bit from a constraint on better ties to an area where progress can be made and be supported by improvements in the relationship. But still, I would be relatively cautious about how it’s going forward.
Political Assurances?
In the Chinese readout
India’s policies and positions on Taiwan and Xizang-related issues remain unchanged, and India does not allow any forces to conduct anti-China activities on its territory.
It’s not the first time India has made such a statement, so this is more like a reaffirmation of existing assurances rather than a new commitment. Nevertheless, reiterating these positions can help ease political concerns, so I think it is still a relatively positive signal.
One additional point on Xi’s speech:
Innovation-driven development comes first among the four proposals, followed by peace, civilization communication, and global governance. The speech sees AI as a tool for upgrading member countries’ industries. Read alongside this section’s opposition to “decoupling and severing supply chains”脱钩断链 and “small yards with high fences,”小院高墙, AI cooperation can be understood as serving both development and members’ capacity to withstand external technology restrictions.
In his remarks at the second session, Xi once again placed the “Open-Source and Inclusive AI Initiative” first among his five proposals, just reflecting how “AI-maxxing” the Chinese leadership is.
But AI is only the most obvious point. What I think deserves closer attention are the calls to “develop a system of standards and specifications” under the fourth initiative, on smart manufacturing cooperation, and for “mutual recognition of competency standards” under the fifth, on developing science and technology talent. The former concerns aligning standards across production systems; the latter concerns recognizing engineering competencies. Both are must-haves for transferring manufacturing capacity across borders. In a sense, these proposals also signal China’s willingness to help establish its manufacturing capabilities in other BRICS countries, potentially extending that process to other developing economies. But industrialization does not come without preconditions; whether that ambition can be realized, however, will depend heavily on whether participating countries have the capacity to absorb those capabilities. Willingness is just the most basic; more important is the infrastructure and whether the government can maintain a consistent policy.
Below is the transcript of the Chinese readout of the Xi-Modi meeting. To be fair, I’ve also included the readout from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. And also Xi’s speech, which I made the translation with the help of AI:
Xi Jinping Meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
On the afternoon of September 12, 2026, local time, President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The two leaders held a candid and in-depth exchange of views and reached an important consensus that China and India should be partners.
Xi Jinping noted that China has always viewed and developed China–India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. “Over the past two years, Prime Minister Modi and I have met twice, guiding China–India relations from a fresh start to a new level. Institutional exchanges between the two countries have gradually resumed, the list of areas of cooperation has continued to grow, and bilateral trade has reached another record high. This hard-won progress should be cherished.” China and India have different national circumstances, but they are fully capable of drawing on each other’s strengths, supporting one another, helping each other succeed, and pursuing common development. Amid an international situation marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, China and India, as the world’s two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder significant responsibilities. Both sides should keep humanity’s future and their peoples’ well-being in mind, work together to advance high-quality cooperation within the expanded BRICS grouping, and contribute more positive momentum to world peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
Xi Jinping outlined four points on ensuring the steady and sustained development of China–India relations.
First, set the right course through an objective and rational strategic understanding. China and India are partners for cooperation, not rivals, and represent development opportunities for each other, not threats. This strategic assessment is based on the two countries’ stages of development and the international environment, and serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples.
Second, help each other succeed through a commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides should focus on development—their broadest common ground—and strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation. They should expand cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, direct flights, and other areas to effectively strengthen public support for bilateral relations. They should address each other’s economic and trade concerns in a balanced manner and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
Third, overcome obstacles through the political wisdom of mutual respect and understanding. Both sides should work to advance bilateral relations and the boundary issue in parallel, allowing the two tracks to reinforce each other, while maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas.
Fourth, contribute to the well-being of the world through open and inclusive multilateral cooperation. Both sides should support each other’s BRICS chairmanships, strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the G20, work together to address global challenges, and unequivocally uphold international fairness and justice.
Modi said that he and President Xi Jinping had held numerous productive meetings, guiding India–China relations in a positive direction, which serves the common interests of the two countries’ more than 2.8 billion people. The two great civilizations of India and China have engaged in exchanges, learned from each other, and advanced together for thousands of years. India has always viewed India–China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is willing to be China’s partner rather than its rival, regarding each other’s development as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
India pursues an independent foreign policy, and the development of its relations with China is not subject to third-party influence. India’s policies and positions on Taiwan and Xizang-related issues remain unchanged, and India does not allow any forces to conduct anti-China activities on its territory.
India is willing, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen strategic communication, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, deepen people-to-people exchanges, and advance bilateral relations further. Both sides should work together to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
India thanks China for supporting its hosting of the BRICS Summit and will fully support China’s BRICS chairmanship next year. India is willing to coordinate and cooperate closely with China to strengthen cooperation among Global South countries, promote a multipolar world and economic growth, and serve as a force for stability and progress in a turbulent world.
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and other officials attended the meeting.
Prime Minister’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (September 12, 2026)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met with H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China on 12 September 2026, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
2. The two leaders welcomed the steady progress in India-China bilateral relations since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025. They reaffirmed that both countries should take a strategic and long term perspective of their ties. Differences should not become disputes. Prime Minister highlighted that both sides must be guided by three mutuals- mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
3. Prime Minister emphasized that peace and tranquility in the border areas remains an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations. He underlined the need for both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border related issues. The two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples.
4. The two leaders took note of the progress in people-to-people ties and underscored the need to further promote cultural exchanges, business linkages and greater mobility between the two countries. On economic and trade relations, they underlined the need to address each other’s concerns, including structural trade imbalance and supply chain issues, and facilitation of meaningful and predictable market access.
5. The two leaders agreed that both sides must continue to expand common ground on regional and global issues, and in addressing challenges.
6. Prime Minister appreciated China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship and its contributions towards the success of the BRICS Summit-2026.
New Delhi
September 12, 2026
Shouldering the Responsibilities of Our Times and Taking the Lead
—Address at the First Session of the 18th BRICS Summit
Your Excellency Prime Minister Modi,
Colleagues,
It is a pleasure to gather with you in New Delhi. I thank Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for their thoughtful arrangements.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past two decades, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has continued to grow in strength and scope, demonstrating robust vitality and becoming the world’s most influential platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.
These have been 20 years of pursuing greater self-reliance and strength. As a leading force in the Global South, BRICS countries have upheld their independence and actively explored development paths suited to their national conditions, setting an example for emerging markets and developing countries seeking to build strength through solidarity.
These have been 20 years of standing together through adversity. Undaunted by difficulties, BRICS countries have forged ahead, joining hands to confront challenges including the global financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate change. We have steadfastly safeguarded the common interests of the Global South and contributed stability and positive momentum to the world.
These have been 20 years of fruitful achievements. BRICS has undergone a historic expansion, established a comprehensive, multilevel cooperation framework, and continuously deepened cooperation in trade, investment, finance, science and technology, and other areas, entering a new stage of high-quality cooperation within the expanded BRICS grouping.
Today, changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. The Global South is growing markedly stronger, and the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable. At the same time, countercurrents of unilateralism and power politics are surging, multilateralism and the international order are under strain, and deficits in peace, development, security, and governance continue to widen.
I put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative precisely to address these deficits and help build a better world. BRICS countries must stand firmly on the right side of history, take the lead in responding to the challenges of our times, guide the international order toward greater fairness and equity, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
First, BRICS countries should take the lead in promoting innovation-driven development.
A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, exemplified by artificial intelligence, is advancing rapidly and profoundly reshaping global development. BRICS countries must firmly seize the initiative, strengthen AI cooperation, encourage open-source development, openness, cooperation, and sharing, and advance practical cooperation toward greater innovation and higher levels of development.
Not long ago, China worked with other parties to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. China is also developing an international AI application cooperation center serving BRICS countries and others. These efforts provide important platforms for strengthening AI cooperation globally, particularly among countries of the Global South. We welcome the active participation of all BRICS countries.
Here, I propose a BRICS initiative on AI-enabled new industrialization. China stands ready to work with all parties to deliver more research, development, and application outcomes and deepen cooperation in industrial and supply chains. Facts will prove that “decoupling and severing supply chains” cannot halt our development, while building “small yards with high fences” will only confine those who erect them and divide the world.
Second, BRICS countries should take the lead in safeguarding peace and stability.
The world today is far from peaceful, with turbulence and instability becoming more pronounced. At its root, this reflects the erosion of the postwar international order and the failure to effectively uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. BRICS countries should stand firm, uphold justice, and work to end armed conflict and preserve peace.
We should uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security; oppose Cold War thinking and bloc confrontation; oppose violations of other countries’ sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs; and participate constructively in resolving hotspot issues, making a distinctive BRICS contribution to solutions that address both symptoms and root causes.
The situation in the Middle East and the Gulf continues to evolve in complex ways. This conflict has inflicted severe losses on the peoples of countries across the region and runs counter to the common interests of the international community. I have put forward a four-point proposal on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation, an end to hostilities, and the advancement of peace.
The parties concerned should remain committed to a political settlement and work toward a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire. They should give due attention to addressing the root causes, rebuilding trust among countries in the region, and establishing a new security architecture. The Palestinian question remains at the heart of the Middle East issue. Its fundamental solution lies in implementing the two-state solution and achieving peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel. China is willing to work with fellow BRICS members to play its due role in bringing peace and tranquility to the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Third, BRICS countries should take the lead in promoting mutual learning among civilizations.
The beauty of a harmonious soup lies in blending different ingredients. As inheritors of ancient civilizations and home to diverse cultures, BRICS countries should become a garden where different civilizations flourish together in an atmosphere of inclusiveness and coexistence.
We should uphold the common values of humanity and advocate exchanges, mutual learning, and harmonious coexistence among civilizations. We should successfully organize the BRICS People-to-People Exchanges Forum, share experience in governance, and build positive momentum for the stable development of relations between countries. We should deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and other areas, strengthen youth exchanges, and encourage more frequent interaction, mutual understanding, and friendship among our peoples.
Fourth, BRICS countries should take the lead in reforming and improving global governance.
The kind of global governance system we build will determine the future of human society. BRICS countries should respond to the broader trend toward greater democracy in international relations, promote a more just and equitable global governance system, uphold the authority of the United Nations, and oppose withdrawal from international organizations, the repudiation of agreements, and the establishment of rival frameworks.
We should support the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, advance WTO reform, oppose the indiscriminate imposition of tariffs, and resist all forms of protectionist measures. We should take a leading role in global governance in new domains such as cyberspace, outer space, and the deep sea, and strengthen the voice of Global South countries.
Colleagues,
Throughout two decades of challenges and progress, solidarity and cooperation have remained the source of strength driving the BRICS endeavor forward. We must treat one another with sincerity, seek common ground while setting aside differences, respect each other’s core concerns, and use communication and dialogue to enhance mutual understanding and properly manage disagreements and differences, ensuring steady and sustained BRICS cooperation.
China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. China stands ready to take this opportunity to work with all parties to build consensus and shape the future, ushering in a third “golden decade” of BRICS cooperation and jointly creating a bright future of prosperity and progress.
Thank you.
Strengthening the Foundations of BRICS Cooperation and Empowering the Global South
—Address at the Second Session of the 18th BRICS Summit
Your Excellency Prime Minister Modi,
Colleagues,
I thank Prime Minister Modi and the Indian government for hosting this meeting.
Today, changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. The collective rise of the Global South has become a key force driving the world toward multipolarity. At the same time, the international landscape is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, with risks and challenges continually emerging. To bring greater stability to the world and make it a better place, BRICS countries must seize the historical initiative, unite the countries of the Global South, and play a positive, stabilizing, and constructive role in international affairs to advance the common well-being of humanity.
A world without rules is like an intersection without traffic lights: chaos and disorder are inevitable. Fairness and justice are the shared aspirations of all peoples. International rules should be written jointly by all countries. The logic that “might makes right” is untenable and should have been abandoned long ago. Countries of the Global South must work together to uphold the international rule of law and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations, including sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. We must ensure that international law and international rules apply equally to all, without double standards.
All countries, regardless of their size, strength, or wealth, are equal members of the international community. Countries of the Global South must hold high the banner of multilateralism, uphold the authority and role of the United Nations, and support reforms that make multilateral institutions more effective, ensuring that all countries can participate equally in international affairs. We should keep World Trade Organization reform on the right track, uphold principles such as most-favored-nation treatment, and actively explore the development of new, future-oriented rules. We should support the operations and development of the New Development Bank to promote cooperation among Global South countries. We should also reform and improve the international financial architecture to give developing countries greater representation and a stronger voice.
To accomplish great things, we must put people first. Countries of the Global South should pursue a people-centered approach to development and advance the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In the five years since China proposed the Global Development Initiative, we have worked with partners to carry out more than 2,000 cooperation projects and train more than 200,000 people in various fields, benefiting people in over 120 countries. China’s door to the outside world will open ever wider. We have fully implemented zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries with which we maintain diplomatic relations. We will continue to expand voluntary and unilateral opening-up and share development opportunities with all countries.
In confronting the constant emergence of global challenges, we should adopt comprehensive measures that address both their symptoms and root causes. Countries of the Global South should work together to advance security governance and jointly respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats. We should improve global climate governance and promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement. Guided by a people-centered approach and the principle of harnessing technology for good, we should accelerate the development of a global AI governance framework based on broad consensus, enabling emerging technologies to illuminate the path toward shared prosperity.
Colleagues,
For the expanded BRICS grouping to achieve more and develop further, we must strengthen the foundations of practical cooperation. We should draw on our strengths as a grouping rooted in emerging markets and connected to the wider Global South, uphold open cooperation and mutual benefit, maintain stable and unimpeded industrial and supply chains, and foster a large, integrated market. We should build incubators for innovation, upgrade traditional industries, develop emerging industries, and lay the groundwork for industries of the future. To this end, I propose five initiatives.
First, an initiative for open-source and inclusive AI. China will take the lead in establishing a dedicated BRICS AI open-source hub, support cooperation in the development and application of large language models, and organize specialized AI training programs to build an open AI ecosystem.
Second, an initiative to facilitate trade and investment. China proposes establishing a BRICS partnership on special economic zones, creating a smart portal, and promoting policy coordination to develop new hubs for openness and development. Next year, China will host a BRICS Forum on Trade in Services to foster new drivers of economic and trade cooperation. We welcome the active participation of all parties.
Third, an initiative for digital industry cooperation. China will promote the establishment of a BRICS digital industry cloud platform, offering digital skills training, facilitating technical exchanges, and connecting industry partners to advance the development of the digital economy.
Fourth, an initiative for smart manufacturing cooperation. Through this initiative, China stands ready to help BRICS countries build smart factories and develop a system of standards and specifications, jointly advancing the transformation and upgrading of manufacturing.
Fifth, an initiative to develop talent in science and technology. China proposes establishing a BRICS alliance for engineer training to carry out joint training programs and promote mutual recognition of competency standards. China will launch a BRICS exchange program for young talent in science, technology, and innovation to cultivate more highly skilled professionals in these fields.
Colleagues,
This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period. The plan is not only a blueprint for China’s own development, but also an agenda for cooperation with the world. China will continue to pursue high-quality development, expand high-standard opening-up, implement the Global Development Initiative, and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, sharing opportunities and creating prosperity with countries around the world. Let us work together with one heart and one mind to advance cooperation within the expanded BRICS grouping and write a new chapter of solidarity and collective strength for the Global South.
Thank you.
As an American, it's nice to see these folks at least acting like grownups.