As Brics Comes to a Close, India and China Hold Bilateral Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping closing remarks at the end of the ninth annual Brics summit, in Xiamen, said BRICS countries have consistently found new ways for emerging market countries and developing countries to unite, cooperate and mutually benefit.

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The summit, with the theme "BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future," ran from Sept. 3-5.

The Chinese head of state said over the past decade the group of countries – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – have grown their partnership is several ways. Adding that an effort should be made to expand communication and coordination to tackle global issues, citing Brics's impact on matters of counter-terrorism, cyber security, peacekeeping and the Middle East.

Xi also urged developed nations to provide more assistance to developing countries. He pointed out that China will contribute $500 million for a South-South cooperation assistance fund to help other developing countries deal with famine, refugees, climate change and public health challenges.

"Some countries have become more inward-looking, and their desire to participate in global development cooperation has decreased," Xi said.

Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, with whom Xi held bilateral talks, congratulated him on a successful summit.

According to Xinhua, Xi told Modi that "healthy, stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations." It was the first significant bilateral meeting since the standoff over the disputed Doklam region.

Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said, “The two leaders felt that there should be closer communication between the defence and security personnel of India and China.”

He told reporters that “There was a sense that if relationship is to go forward then peace and tranquility on border areas must be maintained. Both of us know what happened this was not backward looking conversation it was forward looking.”

The PM highlighted 10 'noble commitments' to achieve BRICS leadership in global transformation. Modi said India has had a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

The ten noble commitments suggested by PM Modi included creating a safer world by "organized and coordinated action on at least three issues: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Disaster Management".

Other noble commitments suggested by the prime minister were -- creating a greener world, creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Xi also announced that the next summit will be chaired by South Africa in Johannesburg.

The BRICS leaders are joined by observer nations – Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, Guinea and Tajikistan as part of the "BRICS Plus" plan.