An emerging‑markets bloc spanning five continents, shaping the global south’s economic and diplomatic clout.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. The leaders have committed to a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable” resolution of their long-standing border disputes and to tackling India’s structural trade deficit with China. Their meeting follows more than a year of diplomatic thaw.
Oman has postponed a planned regional meeting on the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and Gulf states expected to discuss future management of the strait. Tehran and Muscat have been pursuing a regional framework, amid sanctions, blockades, and rising oil prices. Bahrain says it will not attend until diplomatic ties with Iran resume. The pause preserves room for dialogue while signaling regional actors seek stability.
Protests ahead of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains are intensifying as thousands gather in Geneva and Evian. Authorities have deployed thousands of police and tightened security to prevent violence amid warnings about global inequality and climate policy.
The Indus Waters Treaty remains under strain as India suspends its participation after a Kashmir attack the Pakistan government denies involvement in. Pakistan warns any change to water flows could amount to war, while mediators push for dialogue and adherence to international law.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point in US-Iran talks as Tehran asserts its control over passage, while the US argues the strait is an international waterway. Recent statements from Iran’s IRGC and new corridor announcements call into question how ships will pass in the coming weeks. Reports from multiple outlets describe competing transit counts and the ongoing regional tensions.
The Guardian and The Scotsman pieces outline Andy Burnham’s task of navigating EU relations and defence co-operation after inheriting Starmer’s reset agenda. Europe signals openness, but wary demands persist as the UK seeks closer ties without rejoining the single market.
The Guardian and The Scotsman report on Keir Burnham and John Healey navigating a fragile balance between domestic priorities and international obligations. They have set plans to curb inflation, protect living standards, and rebuild manufacturing, while managing rising costs and global tensions. The government has pledged targeted support, with energy pricing reforms and housing measures, as inflation pressures persist.
Ousted Bangladeshi premier Sheikh Hasina has said she will return to Bangladesh, insisting she must answer to her people. Speaking via videolink from New Delhi on the second anniversary of the 2024 uprising, she has pledged to confront the charges against her while Bangladesh seeks extradition and India says the request is under review. A memorial museum marks the uprising as Dhaka and New Delhi navigate a fragile reengagement.
Iran seeks membership in BRICS’ New Development Bank to diversify funding amid sanctions and war pressures. Tehran aims to use regional currencies for trade and to secure financing for infrastructure as it faces economic strain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities during talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on Monday. Putin has responded that talks are "moving forward" while officials highlighted growing Russia–India trade and energy ties.
President Trump has announced what he called the "most crushing economic operation ever" against Iran and warned any country that provides a lifeline to Tehran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Treasury officials have signalled stepped‑up secondary sanctions while Tehran has rejected the move; oil prices and US equities have reacted this week.
The Trump administration has mobilized a broad sanctions push to choke Iran’s economy while coordinating with G20 partners. Officials say secondary sanctions will target countries and firms doing business with Tehran, with a looming wave of penalties expected to press Iran’s leaders toward a deal. The effort unfolds amid a tense stand-off in the Middle East and global energy-market jitters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Cairo for a state visit, his first to Egypt in a decade, to mark 70 years of diplomatic ties and sign economic and security agreements. Talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will focus on Gaza, Red Sea shipping, the Nile dam dispute, AI and expanded Chinese investment in the Suez Canal zone.
Church's Texas Chicken opens first China location in Shanghai, drawing long lines and sparking a side hustle around queueing services. Official data show services spending outpacing goods as catering revenue rises, while McKinsey notes foreign firms must invest to stay relevant in China’s evolving market.
Chinese president Xi Jinping has visited Cairo for the first time in a decade and has met President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi. The two governments have signed new economic deals, launched a third phase of the Suez Canal industrial zone and discussed cooperation on artificial intelligence, defence and maritime security as regional trade routes face disruption from the US‑Israel war with Iran.
Zelensky has welcomed renewed diplomacy as US envoys Witkoff and Kushner engage with Kyiv and Moscow. The talks aim to revive a trilateral process, with Kyiv pressing for a negotiated settlement and Moscow signaling cautious openness. No breakthrough has been announced, and the conflict continues into the winter.
The U.S. has struck Iranian oil tankers, prompting retaliatory actions from Iran and attacks on a U.S.-linked base in Jordan. Tankers are waiting to transit Hormuz, raising the risk of major oil spills and wider conflict as global shipping faces disruption.
A passenger ferry, MV June Aster, has caught fire off Coron, Palawan. Rescue teams have recovered at least five dead and 43 survivors; authorities say 134 people were on the manifest and dozens remain unaccounted for as coast guard vessels and other ships continue search and recovery operations on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Iranian leaders are determined to continue the conflict, viewing it as existential. A U.S.-led naval blockade and strikes on oil assets have intensified, while Tehran signals potential escalation should Washington intensify attacks.
Delhi is hosting a BRICS summit this weekend as security forces tighten controls across the city. Authorities have declared a public holiday, closed offices and schools, and diverted traffic to manage the security operation while residents face longer commutes and higher taxi fares.
BRICS leaders are meeting in New Delhi as tensions over US tariffs and dollar dominance shape the bloc’s cohesion. Washington’s use of tariffs and financial leverage is prompting BRICS members to seek greater economic independence, while the dollar’s reserve status remains strong.
Xi Jinping arrives in New Delhi for BRICS leaders, with Modi hosting talks alongside Putin, Pezeshkian, and others. The summit focuses on expanding BRICS influence, accelerating trade in national currencies, and aligning on energy, food security, and global governance amid shifting geopolitics.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.
BRICS leaders are gathering in New Delhi as Modi hosts Putin, Xi, Pezeshkian and other members. The summit faces divisions over Ukraine, Iran, and global economic shifts, with discussions on currency use and global governance reforms.
A BRICS summit under India’s presidency has endorsed the New Delhi Declaration, pledging resilience, cooperation and sustainable development. Leaders highlight Africa engagement and private-sector role, while Bilateral talks explore investment, technology transfer and regional integration.
Ukraine is facing intensified Russian air campaigns and drone strikes targeting power infrastructure and cities, with several deadly incidents reported in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa and other areas. BRICS comments and Polish border concerns add to regional tension.
BRICS leaders have called for restraint and warned against actions that could escalate tensions in the Middle East as negotiations among member states and partners proceed. The New Delhi summit has produced a joint statement focused on civilian protection, sovereignty, and stable energy and trade flows, while highlighting divisions within the bloc on how to address the US-Israel conflict.
China will lead a BRICS open-source AI community to support development of large language models, host seminars, and build an open AI ecosystem. Xi also proposes a BRICS digital cloud platform, digital-skills training, and youth exchange programs as the bloc expands its tech footprint.
Global AI governance is under intensified debate as US and Chinese leaders weigh steps on regulation, with AI CEOs calling for a slowdown while Beijing urges open, cooperative development. The discourse centers on safeguarding security, maintaining competitive edge, and shaping a shared framework for innovation.