PM Modi Holds Hands With Xi, Putin In Powerful Message At BRICS Summit - NDTV

**PM Modi Holds Hands With Xi, Putin in Symbolic Display at 18th BRICS Summit**

*Johannesburg, South Africa –* On August 22, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood side‑by‑side with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the closing ceremony of the 18th BRICS summit. The three leaders briefly clasped hands before a backdrop of the summit’s emblem, a visual that media outlets described as a “powerful message” of unity among the bloc’s major economies. It marked the third time the trio has met in as many years, underscoring the deepening diplomatic ties that have evolved since the pandemic‑era realignments.

During the summit’s plenary sessions, Modi used the platform to reiterate India’s call for “dialogue and diplomacy” in addressing global security concerns, directly urging President Putin to engage constructively on the Ukraine conflict. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding global maritime trade routes and enhancing the safety of seafarers—a priority for India’s large merchant‑marine community. Parallel discussions saw Xi and Putin echoing calls for a multipolar world order and the acceleration of BRICS expansion, while Indian officials stressed the need for transparent, rules‑based cooperation that respects sovereign interests.

The hand‑holding moment, though largely ceremonial, carries significant geopolitical weight. Analysts note that it signals a concerted effort by BRICS to present a united front amid growing scrutiny from Western capitals over issues ranging from human rights to energy security. For India, the gesture balances its strategic autonomy—maintaining strong ties with both Beijing and Moscow—while projecting its role as a bridge between emerging economies and the broader international community. Observers will watch closely how this display of solidarity translates into concrete policy outcomes in the months ahead.

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