Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sep 17) said the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration at the recently concluded BRICS Summit was a sign of the world’s growing trust in India. Speaking at SEMICON India 2026, Modi linked the consensus on the joint declaration with India’s growing influence on global platforms, while also highlighting the country’s latest economic growth figures.“On one hand, India’s economy is growing. On the other, the world’s trust in India is also increasing,” Modi said. He pointed to India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth during a challenging period and said the country’s sovereign rating had also been upgraded by a Japanese credit rating agency.“Friends, another major picture of this trust was seen at the BRICS Summit, which concluded three days ago. India successfully hosted the summit, and the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration with everyone’s consensus is another major testament to the world’s trust in India,” he said.<h2>What happened at the BRICS Summit?</h2>India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Several world leaders attended the summit, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.The summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on September 12. The document laid out common positions among BRICS members on a range of international issues, including the war in West Asia, artificial intelligence and tariffs.<h2>What does the New Delhi Declaration say?</h2>The declaration also condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and contributed to a deterioration in ties between India and Pakistan. The BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in “all its forms and manifestations”.

PM Modi highlighted the unanimous adoption of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration and 7.8 per cent GDP growth as evidence of rising global trust in India's leadership, economy, and counter-terrorism stance.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sep 17) said the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration at the recently concluded BRICS Summit was a sign of the world’s growing trust in India. Speaking at SEMICON India 2026, Modi linked the consensus on the joint declaration with India’s growing influence on global platforms, while also highlighting the country’s latest economic growth figures. “On one hand, India’s economy is growing. On the other, the world’s trust in India is also increasing,” Modi said. He pointed to India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth during a challenging period and said the country’s sovereign rating had also been upgraded by a Japanese credit rating agency. “Friends, another major picture of this trust was seen at the BRICS Summit, which concluded three days ago. India successfully hosted the summit, and the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration with everyone’s consensus is another major testament to the world’s trust in India,” he said. What happened at the BRICS Summit? India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Several world leaders attended the summit, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The summit concluded with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration on September 12. The document laid out common positions among BRICS members on a range of international issues, including the war in West Asia, artificial intelligence and tariffs. What does the New Delhi Declaration say? The declaration also condemned the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and contributed to a deterioration in ties between India and Pakistan. The BRICS countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism in “all its forms and manifestations”.

PM Modi highlighted the unanimous adoption of the BRICS New Delhi Declaration and 7.8 per cent GDP growth as evidence of rising global trust in India's leadership, economy, and counter-terrorism stance.

‘World’s trust in India is increasing’: PM Modi hails unanimous adoption of BRICS New Delhi Declaration

China has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Xi Jinping’s visit marks his first trip to India in seven years and comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to stabilise ties after years of tensions. His presence at the BRICS summit is expected to put India-China relations, global geopolitics and the future of the expanded BRICS bloc firmly in focus.

A possible meeting between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could become one of the key diplomatic moments of the summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral ties, economic cooperation and broader regional and global issues.

Watch this report for the latest updates on Xi Jinping’s India visit, the BRICS Summit 2026 and the growing India-China diplomatic engagement.

 China Confirms Xi Jinping Will Attend Brics in New Delhi

New Delhi is gearing up for a high-security week as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026. The main diplomatic gathering will take place at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's major international conference venues. While the summit is a major diplomatic event, it is also expected to have a significant impact on everyday travel in Delhi. The movement of foreign leaders, senior delegations and security motorcades could temporarily affect traffic on several major roads, particularly across central and south Delhi and on routes connecting important hotels, the summit venue, railway stations and the airport. For commuters, office-goers, students and visitors, planning ahead will be important during the summit period.<h2>BRICS Summit 2026 dates and venue</h2>The BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The summit follows months of meetings and diplomatic engagements conducted under India's BRICS chairship. Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are expected to discuss economic, political and global issues. The main summit venue is Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, a prominent international conference and exhibition complex in the national capital.<h2>Why could Delhi traffic be affected during BRICS Summit?</h2>The movement of VIP motorcades is expected to be one of the biggest factors affecting traffic during the summit.The Delhi Traffic Police has been carrying out motorcade rehearsals and preparing diversion arrangements ahead of the high-profile event. More than 35 roads are expected to come under traffic regulation, while 22 diversion points have been identified as part of the arrangements. The impact is expected to extend well beyond Pragati Maidan. Roads in central and south Delhi, along with routes connecting major diplomatic districts and hotels, could face temporary restrictions when a dignitary's convoy passes.&nbsp;Roads and areas featuring in the traffic arrangements include:<ul><li>Sardar Patel Marg</li><li>Janpath</li><li>Akbar Road</li><li>Mathura Road</li><li>Lodhi Road</li><li>Mandi House</li><li>Dhaula Kuan</li></ul>However, commuters should note that restrictions may vary depending on convoy movements and security requirements.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-summit-2026-delhi-hotel-rooms-that-cost-18-000-now-quote-80-000-1788762849870">BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi hotel rooms that cost ₹18,000 now quote ₹80,000</a><h2>BRICS traffic advisory: What should commuters do?</h2>People travelling through central Delhi between September 11 and 13 should consider leaving earlier than usual. A journey that normally takes 30 minutes could take significantly longer if traffic is temporarily stopped or diverted because of a VIP convoy. The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible. Those travelling by private vehicle should check the latest traffic updates before starting their journey and remain prepared to take an alternative route. People travelling to the airport should be especially cautious and allow additional time. Restrictions on roads leading towards Indira Gandhi International Airport could affect airport-bound traffic during convoy movements.<h2>What about railway stations during the BRICS Summit?</h2>Passengers travelling to or from New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations should also plan their journeys in advance. Traffic management arrangements include routes used by passengers travelling to and from these major railway stations. Anyone with a train to catch during the summit period should avoid leaving home at the last minute. The same advice applies to people travelling to railway stations to receive relatives or friends. Allowing additional travel time could help passengers avoid the risk of missing trains because of unexpected diversions or temporary road closures.<h2>Delhi schools closed on September 11</h2>One of the most immediate changes for Delhi residents will be the closure of schools on Friday, September 11. The Directorate of Education has directed schools across the capital to remain closed that day as part of arrangements for the BRICS Summit.The move is intended to reduce traffic pressure and facilitate security arrangements and the movement of visiting dignitaries during the high-profile event. Some offices may also remain closed or modify their operations on September 11, depending on applicable government directions and individual workplace arrangements.<h2>BRICS traffic restrictions may be temporary</h2>A road mentioned in a BRICS-related traffic advisory should not automatically be considered closed for the entire day. Many restrictions are expected to be linked to the movement of motorcades and specific security requirements. Traffic could therefore be regulated, diverted or stopped temporarily before normal movement resumes. For this reason, commuters should check live traffic updates shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on their usual route or a static traffic map.<h2>Delhi Metro may be the easier travel option</h2>For journeys within Delhi, the Metro is likely to offer a more predictable alternative to driving through areas affected by convoy movements. Traffic authorities have encouraged commuters to consider public transport during the period of heightened restrictions. Those who need to drive should identify alternative routes in advance and avoid depending entirely on their regular route, particularly when travelling through central Delhi or areas connected to the summit venue.<h2>Security arrangements across Delhi</h2>Traffic management is only one part of the preparations for the summit. Security has been stepped up around the summit venue and hotels expected to accommodate visiting dignitaries. Authorities are also coordinating with neighbouring states to manage movement along Delhi's borders and maintain security during the event. The Delhi administration has reviewed arrangements covering traffic management, security, civic services and emergency medical response ahead of the summit.

BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi: Check traffic restrictions, affected roads, diversions, school closure, Metro advice and airport and railway travel tips

New Delhi is gearing up for a high-security week as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026. The main diplomatic gathering will take place at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, one of the capital's major international conference venues. While the summit is a major diplomatic event, it is also expected to have a significant impact on everyday travel in Delhi. The movement of foreign leaders, senior delegations and security motorcades could temporarily affect traffic on several major roads, particularly across central and south Delhi and on routes connecting important hotels, the summit venue, railway stations and the airport. For commuters, office-goers, students and visitors, planning ahead will be important during the summit period. BRICS Summit 2026 dates and venue The BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 is scheduled for September 11, 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The summit follows months of meetings and diplomatic engagements conducted under India's BRICS chairship. Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are expected to discuss economic, political and global issues. The main summit venue is Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, a prominent international conference and exhibition complex in the national capital. Why could Delhi traffic be affected during BRICS Summit? The movement of VIP motorcades is expected to be one of the biggest factors affecting traffic during the summit. The Delhi Traffic Police has been carrying out motorcade rehearsals and preparing diversion arrangements ahead of the high-profile event. More than 35 roads are expected to come under traffic regulation, while 22 diversion points have been identified as part of the arrangements. The impact is expected to extend well beyond Pragati Maidan. Roads in central and south Delhi, along with routes connecting major diplomatic districts and hotels, could face temporary restrictions when a dignitary's convoy passes. Roads and areas featuring in the traffic arrangements include: Sardar Patel Marg Janpath Akbar Road Mathura Road Lodhi Road Mandi House Dhaula Kuan However, commuters should note that restrictions may vary depending on convoy movements and security requirements. Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi hotel rooms that cost ₹18,000 now quote ₹80,000 BRICS traffic advisory: What should commuters do? People travelling through central Delhi between September 11 and 13 should consider leaving earlier than usual. A journey that normally takes 30 minutes could take significantly longer if traffic is temporarily stopped or diverted because of a VIP convoy. The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to use public transport, especially the Metro, wherever possible. Those travelling by private vehicle should check the latest traffic updates before starting their journey and remain prepared to take an alternative route. People travelling to the airport should be especially cautious and allow additional time. Restrictions on roads leading towards Indira Gandhi International Airport could affect airport-bound traffic during convoy movements. What about railway stations during the BRICS Summit? Passengers travelling to or from New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin railway stations should also plan their journeys in advance. Traffic management arrangements include routes used by passengers travelling to and from these major railway stations. Anyone with a train to catch during the summit period should avoid leaving home at the last minute. The same advice applies to people travelling to railway stations to receive relatives or friends. Allowing additional travel time could help passengers avoid the risk of missing trains because of unexpected diversions or temporary road closures. Delhi schools closed on September 11 One of the most immediate changes for Delhi residents will be the closure of schools on Friday, September 11. The Directorate of Education has directed schools across the capital to remain closed that day as part of arrangements for the BRICS Summit. The move is intended to reduce traffic pressure and facilitate security arrangements and the movement of visiting dignitaries during the high-profile event. Some offices may also remain closed or modify their operations on September 11, depending on applicable government directions and individual workplace arrangements. BRICS traffic restrictions may be temporary A road mentioned in a BRICS-related traffic advisory should not automatically be considered closed for the entire day. Many restrictions are expected to be linked to the movement of motorcades and specific security requirements. Traffic could therefore be regulated, diverted or stopped temporarily before normal movement resumes. For this reason, commuters should check live traffic updates shortly before leaving rather than relying solely on their usual route or a static traffic map. Delhi Metro may be the easier travel option For journeys within Delhi, the Metro is likely to offer a more predictable alternative to driving through areas affected by convoy movements. Traffic authorities have encouraged commuters to consider public transport during the period of heightened restrictions. Those who need to drive should identify alternative routes in advance and avoid depending entirely on their regular route, particularly when travelling through central Delhi or areas connected to the summit venue. Security arrangements across Delhi Traffic management is only one part of the preparations for the summit. Security has been stepped up around the summit venue and hotels expected to accommodate visiting dignitaries. Authorities are also coordinating with neighbouring states to manage movement along Delhi's borders and maintain security during the event. The Delhi administration has reviewed arrangements covering traffic management, security, civic services and emergency medical response ahead of the summit.

New Delhi gears up for BRICS Summit 2026 with traffic restrictions, road diversions, school closure and travel advisories from September 11 to 13

BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police traffic advisory, affected roads and travel tips for commuters. All you need to know

As BRICS prepares to meet in New Delhi, it would do well to understand not only what the United States is doing, but why.The reported American move to gain majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s proven oil reserves may appear to be another dramatic episode in Washington’s relationship with Caracas. But it may also offer a window into a much larger transformation in American strategy.The United States is becoming increasingly concerned about its dependence on resources, technologies and supply chains that it does not control. In a world of intensifying geopolitical competition, Washington appears determined to secure the foundations of its economic, technological and military power.Oil is only one part of the equation.Critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electricity generation, shipping routes, data and financial infrastructure are becoming strategic assets. Venezuela’s oil, Greenland’s geography and mineral potential, the Middle East’s energy resources and the security of the Western Hemisphere may seem like separate issues. They are increasingly connected by a single concern: American vulnerability.Artificial intelligence makes this question even more important.The next technological revolution will require enormous quantities of electricity, computing capacity, data centres and advanced chips. Those chips depend on complex global supply chains and critical minerals. The competition over artificial intelligence is therefore also becoming a competition over energy, minerals, manufacturing capacity and technology.In this environment, dependence can become vulnerability.The same logic applies to finance.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-seeks-consensus-as-expanded-brics-prepares-for-new-delhi-summit-1787815256214">India seeks consensus as expanded BRICS prepares for New Delhi summit</a>After the Second World War, the United States did not simply inherit Britain’s position as the leading global power. It helped create an international system that embedded American economic strength within a wider architecture.Bretton Woods established the foundations of a monetary system centred on the dollar. The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe. NATO institutionalised American security commitments. The United Nations provided a framework for international cooperation.The dollar subsequently became the principal currency of global trade and finance as British power and sterling declined.This was one of the great strategic achievements of the twentieth century. American power was multiplied because other countries had an interest in participating in the system.Today, however, that system is under pressure.China has emerged as an economic and technological competitor. Alternative payment mechanisms are developing. Countries are diversifying their reserves. Digital currencies, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins could eventually change the architecture of international payments.Washington therefore has a powerful incentive to ensure that the next generation of financial and technological infrastructure does not erode American influence.This brings us to the central strategic dilemma facing the United States.A great power that feels increasingly vulnerable naturally seeks greater control. It wants secure energy supplies, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, technological superiority and strategic access.Some of this is entirely rational.But there is a danger that the pursuit of security through ever greater control can create the insecurity it seeks to prevent.History provides some uncomfortable lessons.The British Empire possessed extraordinary naval, commercial and financial power. Yet the cost of maintaining a worldwide empire eventually became difficult to sustain.The Soviet Union possessed enormous military capabilities, but military power could not compensate indefinitely for economic and technological weaknesses.The United States after 1945 followed a different path. Rather than simply controlling territory and resources, it created institutions, alliances and markets through which American power could operate.That distinction matters today.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-xi-s-400-officials-to-putin-full-list-of-world-leaders-attending-brics-summit-2026-in-delhi-1787915779173">From Xi's 400 officials to Putin: Full list of world leaders attending BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi</a>A great power that feels insecure naturally seeks greater control. It wants secure energy supplies, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, technological superiority and strategic access.But there is a danger in confusing security with possession.If every major power attempts to control the resources, technologies, markets and strategic routes on which its security depends, the world could fragment into competing economic and geopolitical fortresses.The emerging international environment already contains elements of several competing visions. Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” captures the cultural and political fragmentation of the world. Graham Allison’s “Thucydides Trap” describes the dangers inherent when a rising power challenges an established one. And the increasingly competitive struggle for resources and security can sometimes resemble the logic of Mad Max.The combination would be dangerous.This is where BRICS has an important role.As the grouping prepares to meet in Delhi, its members need to understand the American calculation before formulating their own response. It would be tempting to interpret Washington’s actions simply as an effort to contain China, preserve dollar dominance or prevent the emergence of a multipolar world.There is some truth in each interpretation.But the deeper concern is vulnerability.The United States fears dependence on foreign energy, minerals, technologies, supply chains and financial systems at precisely the moment when artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are transforming the meaning of national power.BRICS should therefore be careful not to respond by simply constructing another system of exclusive blocs.Its objective should be resilience rather than isolation: diversified supply chains, greater technological capability, secure energy networks and more efficient financial mechanisms, while preserving the channels of trade and dialogue that connect the major powers.India has a particularly important role to play.It has an interest in a genuinely multipolar international system, but it also has an interest in a stable relationship with the United States. India therefore has something that many other powers lack: the ability to understand both sides of the emerging strategic equation.Understanding American insecurity is as important as understanding American power.For Washington, meanwhile, there is an equally important lesson.America does not need to control everything to remain the world’s most important power. It possesses an extraordinary combination of military strength, financial depth, technological innovation, universities, entrepreneurial capacity, natural resources and alliances.Its greatest strategic asset may still be its ability to make other countries want to participate in a system shaped by American leadership.Washington should therefore distinguish between control and leadership.It should secure critical supply chains without necessarily monopolising them; maintain technological leadership while allowing allies to participate in innovation; strengthen energy security without turning every resource-rich country into a strategic possession; and preserve the dollar by maintaining the openness and credibility of American financial markets.Most importantly, it should invest in alliances and institutions.The United States does not need to retreat from the world. Nor should it ignore genuine vulnerabilities. The era in which economic interdependence was assumed automatically to overcome geopolitical rivalry is clearly over.But there is a fundamental difference between an empire that seeks to possess the world and a power that seeks to organise it.The United States will remain the world’s most important power for the foreseeable future. But its relative dominance is increasingly being challenged by the diffusion of economic, technological and military capabilities.Its answer should not be withdrawal.Nor should it be permanent expansion.The objective should be strategic primacy through an open system.That may also be the most important message for BRICS as it gathers in Delhi.The emerging international order will not be determined simply by who controls the most oil, minerals, technology or territory.It will ultimately be determined by who can build a system that others believe is worth participating in.The country that controls the system does not need to control everything within it.

As the grouping prepares to meet in Delhi, it would be tempting to interpret Washington’s actions simply as an effort to contain China, preserve dollar dominance or prevent the emergence of a multipolar world.

As BRICS prepares to meet in New Delhi, it would do well to understand not only what the United States is doing, but why. The reported American move to gain majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuela’s proven oil reserves may appear to be another dramatic episode in Washington’s relationship with Caracas. But it may also offer a window into a much larger transformation in American strategy. The United States is becoming increasingly concerned about its dependence on resources, technologies and supply chains that it does not control. In a world of intensifying geopolitical competition, Washington appears determined to secure the foundations of its economic, technological and military power. Oil is only one part of the equation. Critical minerals, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electricity generation, shipping routes, data and financial infrastructure are becoming strategic assets. Venezuela’s oil, Greenland’s geography and mineral potential, the Middle East’s energy resources and the security of the Western Hemisphere may seem like separate issues. They are increasingly connected by a single concern: American vulnerability. Artificial intelligence makes this question even more important. The next technological revolution will require enormous quantities of electricity, computing capacity, data centres and advanced chips. Those chips depend on complex global supply chains and critical minerals. The competition over artificial intelligence is therefore also becoming a competition over energy, minerals, manufacturing capacity and technology. In this environment, dependence can become vulnerability. The same logic applies to finance. Also read | India seeks consensus as expanded BRICS prepares for New Delhi summit After the Second World War, the United States did not simply inherit Britain’s position as the leading global power. It helped create an international system that embedded American economic strength within a wider architecture. Bretton Woods established the foundations of a monetary system centred on the dollar. The Marshall Plan helped rebuild Europe. NATO institutionalised American security commitments. The United Nations provided a framework for international cooperation. The dollar subsequently became the principal currency of global trade and finance as British power and sterling declined. This was one of the great strategic achievements of the twentieth century. American power was multiplied because other countries had an interest in participating in the system. Today, however, that system is under pressure. China has emerged as an economic and technological competitor. Alternative payment mechanisms are developing. Countries are diversifying their reserves. Digital currencies, cryptocurrencies and stablecoins could eventually change the architecture of international payments. Washington therefore has a powerful incentive to ensure that the next generation of financial and technological infrastructure does not erode American influence. This brings us to the central strategic dilemma facing the United States. A great power that feels increasingly vulnerable naturally seeks greater control. It wants secure energy supplies, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, technological superiority and strategic access. Some of this is entirely rational. But there is a danger that the pursuit of security through ever greater control can create the insecurity it seeks to prevent. History provides some uncomfortable lessons. The British Empire possessed extraordinary naval, commercial and financial power. Yet the cost of maintaining a worldwide empire eventually became difficult to sustain. The Soviet Union possessed enormous military capabilities, but military power could not compensate indefinitely for economic and technological weaknesses. The United States after 1945 followed a different path. Rather than simply controlling territory and resources, it created institutions, alliances and markets through which American power could operate. That distinction matters today. Also read | From Xi's 400 officials to Putin: Full list of world leaders attending BRICS Summit 2026 in Delhi A great power that feels insecure naturally seeks greater control. It wants secure energy supplies, critical minerals, resilient supply chains, technological superiority and strategic access. But there is a danger in confusing security with possession. If every major power attempts to control the resources, technologies, markets and strategic routes on which its security depends, the world could fragment into competing economic and geopolitical fortresses. The emerging international environment already contains elements of several competing visions. Samuel Huntington’s “clash of civilizations” captures the cultural and political fragmentation of the world. Graham Allison’s “Thucydides Trap” describes the dangers inherent when a rising power challenges an established one. And the increasingly competitive struggle for resources and security can sometimes resemble the logic of Mad Max. The combination would be dangerous. This is where BRICS has an important role. As the grouping prepares to meet in Delhi, its members need to understand the American calculation before formulating their own response. It would be tempting to interpret Washington’s actions simply as an effort to contain China, preserve dollar dominance or prevent the emergence of a multipolar world. There is some truth in each interpretation. But the deeper concern is vulnerability. The United States fears dependence on foreign energy, minerals, technologies, supply chains and financial systems at precisely the moment when artificial intelligence and advanced technologies are transforming the meaning of national power. BRICS should therefore be careful not to respond by simply constructing another system of exclusive blocs. Its objective should be resilience rather than isolation: diversified supply chains, greater technological capability, secure energy networks and more efficient financial mechanisms, while preserving the channels of trade and dialogue that connect the major powers. India has a particularly important role to play. It has an interest in a genuinely multipolar international system, but it also has an interest in a stable relationship with the United States. India therefore has something that many other powers lack: the ability to understand both sides of the emerging strategic equation. Understanding American insecurity is as important as understanding American power. For Washington, meanwhile, there is an equally important lesson. America does not need to control everything to remain the world’s most important power. It possesses an extraordinary combination of military strength, financial depth, technological innovation, universities, entrepreneurial capacity, natural resources and alliances. Its greatest strategic asset may still be its ability to make other countries want to participate in a system shaped by American leadership. Washington should therefore distinguish between control and leadership. It should secure critical supply chains without necessarily monopolising them; maintain technological leadership while allowing allies to participate in innovation; strengthen energy security without turning every resource-rich country into a strategic possession; and preserve the dollar by maintaining the openness and credibility of American financial markets. Most importantly, it should invest in alliances and institutions. The United States does not need to retreat from the world. Nor should it ignore genuine vulnerabilities. The era in which economic interdependence was assumed automatically to overcome geopolitical rivalry is clearly over. But there is a fundamental difference between an empire that seeks to possess the world and a power that seeks to organise it. The United States will remain the world’s most important power for the foreseeable future. But its relative dominance is increasingly being challenged by the diffusion of economic, technological and military capabilities. Its answer should not be withdrawal. Nor should it be permanent expansion. The objective should be strategic primacy through an open system. That may also be the most important message for BRICS as it gathers in Delhi. The emerging international order will not be determined simply by who controls the most oil, minerals, technology or territory. It will ultimately be determined by who can build a system that others believe is worth participating in. The country that controls the system does not need to control everything within it.

As the grouping prepares to meet in Delhi, it would be tempting to interpret Washington’s actions simply as an effort to contain China, preserve dollar dominance or prevent the emergence of a multipolar world.

America’s new strategy: Control the system, not the world

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is set to arrive in Beijing for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives talks on the long-running boundary dispute.

Doval is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as both sides seek to address the 3,488-kilometre border question between the two Asian giants.

The talks carry added significance as they come ahead of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India. The outcome of the Doval-Wang discussions could help shape the atmosphere surrounding Xi's potential visit.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly stressed that peace and tranquillity along the border remain essential for stable and productive India-China relations.

Ajit Doval In Beijing For Crucial India-China Border Talks Ahead Of Xi Jinping Visit

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‘World’s trust in India is increasing’: PM Modi hails unanimous adoption of BRICS New Delhi Declaration

China Confirms Xi Jinping Will Attend Brics in New Delhi

BRICS Summit: Delhi traffic restrictions, school closure and commuter advisory

America’s new strategy: Control the system, not the world

Ajit Doval In Beijing For Crucial India-China Border Talks Ahead Of Xi Jinping Visit