Full Breakdown
Xi Jinping Leads New AI and Peace Initiatives at the 18th BRICS Summit
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Xi Unveils AI, Trade and Peacemaking Proposals
On September 12, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the opening of the 18th BRICS summit. The following day, September 13, 2026, Xi presented a package of initiatives that included the creation of a BRICS AI Open-Source Zone, a Special Economic Zone partnership, and a Service Trade Forum to be hosted by China next year.
Background & Context
BRICS was founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to provide an alternative to a Western-dominated order. Since then the grouping has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates, and a further ten partner economies across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. The bloc now represents more than 40 % of the world’s population, about a quarter of global GDP, and over 25 % of global trade.
Data & Statistics
- Membership population share: > 40 % of world population.
- Economic share: ~25 % of global trade, ~25 % of global GDP.
- AI focus: establishment of an open-source community for large-language-model development and training.
Official Statements & Responses
- Xi Jinping said China would lead the AI open-source effort, support large-language-model cooperation, and host the next BRICS Service Trade Forum. He also framed the summit’s peace call as a collective responsibility of the bloc.
- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, emphasized that “the power of BRICS lies in our diversity and cooperation” and called for “inclusive global growth” through the expanded partnership.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters, including Tibetan exiles, demonstrated outside the summit venue, reflecting lingering regional tensions despite the diplomatic overtures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the length of Xi’s hiatus from India: one report notes it was his first visit since 2019, while another describes it as his first in seven years. The summit’s detailed outcomes on concrete AI funding mechanisms and timelines remain unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The power of BRICS lies in our diversity and cooperation,” — Narendra Modi, indian prime minister
- “We have tried to push inclusive global growth,” — Narendra Modi, indian prime minister
- “We have always been told that competition is a sacred cow, something that must not be touched,” — Vladimir Putin, russian president
What’s Next
Xi announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship in 2027 and will host the 19th summit. The AI Open-Source Zone, the Special Economic Zone partnership and the Service Trade Forum are slated for development over the coming year, with further diplomatic engagement on Middle-East de-escalation expected at future BRICS meetings.