New Delhi Seeks Pragmatic Path to Border Resolution with Beijing
As the 18th BRICS Summit convenes in India, political voices are urging a renewed diplomatic push to settle the long-standing territorial dispute with China, citing the need for stability in bilateral relations.
Congress MP Manish Tewari has called for a concerted and pragmatic effort to resolve the territorial dispute between India and China along the Line of Actual Control. Speaking on September 12, Tewari emphasized that settling the border issue is a prerequisite for advancing bilateral relations, particularly as both nations seek to play larger roles in global affairs. His comments coincided with the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit, where high-level diplomatic engagements were scheduled.
Tewari noted that China has successfully resolved boundary questions with ten of its twelve land neighbors, leaving India as the primary outstanding case. According to the MP, the Special Representatives process has not made sufficient headway, with even the terms of reference for settling the dispute remaining unagreed upon. He argued that if both countries intend to move forward, they must make a significant diplomatic effort to close this gap, as it remains a central obstacle to deeper cooperation.
Reassessing the Identity of the BRICS Coalition
Beyond the bilateral border issue, Tewari raised questions about the evolving nature of the BRICS grouping. He observed that with the inclusion of major economies like China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, the alliance may no longer accurately represent the Global South. Citing China’s status as a twenty-trillion-dollar economy leading in frontier technologies, he questioned whether such nations fit the traditional definition of emerging markets, suggesting a shift in the coalition’s demographic and economic character.
Despite these identity questions, Tewari acknowledged that BRICS has become a platform for issue-based convergence. He noted that member states share common interests in reforming the international financial system and establishing guardrails for the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution. In a world described as being in turmoil, this focus on specific governance and technological challenges offers a practical basis for cooperation, even if the broader identity of the group has shifted.
Diplomatic Context Amidst Summit Proceedings
The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi under India’s 2026 Chairmanship, with a theme centered on resilience, innovation, and sustainability. According to GN geopolitics/border, the timing of Tewari’s remarks highlights the complex diplomatic landscape surrounding the event. While the summit aims to foster cooperation among diverse economies, the unresolved border dispute with China remains a significant variable in the Indo-China relationship, influencing the tone of high-level discussions.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping meet, the focus will likely remain on broader strategic interests and multilateral cooperation. However, the underlying pressure to address the Line of Actual Control remains a critical factor for regional stability. Observers will be watching closely to see if the summit yields any concrete diplomatic signals or new frameworks for managing the border issue, given the historical difficulty in achieving progress through existing channels.
