New Delhi

Ina strategic balancing act triggered by escalating global trade tensions, India is leveraging the two-day BRICS Summit starting Saturday to position the grouping as a complementary engine for economic growth while championing the Global South’s core developmental priorities — most notably safeguarding food, energy and supply chain security.

With New Delhi putting the finishing touches to the summit, China has confirmed President Xi Jinping’s attendance, marking his first trip to India after a seven-year gap.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto are among the top leaders attending the crucial meet in the national capital.

India is steering the BRICS grouping as a vital complementary platform to champion the Global South’s core developmental priorities, top Indian officials said on Thursday.

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