China-India Talks: Agreement to Cooperate for Middle East Peace via BRICS

NEW DELHI – In a significant diplomatic engagement, China and India – two major developing nations – have agreed to enhance coordination on pressing international and regional matters. China’s Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs, Zhai Jun, met with Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, in New Delhi on Thursday.

According to a readout released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday, Zhai emphasized that Beijing values New Delhi’s pivotal role as the rotating president of the BRICS grouping. He expressed hope that the ongoing BRICS consultations on Middle Eastern affairs would send a “strong message” regarding the volatile regional situation and contribute constructively to peace and stability.

The meeting, which was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, saw both sides exchanging detailed views on strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework.

Secretary Malhotra acknowledged China’s significant role in the BRICS mechanism and expressed appreciation for Beijing’s support for India’s hosting of various BRICS events. She affirmed that India is prepared to work collaboratively with Beijing and other BRICS member states to help de-escalate regional tensions at an early date.