Xi's 5-point action plan for Brics may see red flags go up in India - The Times of India

**Xi’s 5‑Point Action Plan for BRICS Raises Concerns in New Delhi**

Beijing’s leader Xi Jinping used the latest BRICS summit to unveil a five‑point action plan aimed at deepening cooperation in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, green technology, digital finance and supply‑chain resilience. In his opening remarks, Xi warned against the “might‑makes‑right” logic that he said threatens multilateralism, positioning the agenda as a counter‑weight to Western‑led standards. The plan, presented alongside a broader vision for a “digital Silk Road,” seeks to lock in joint research projects, cross‑border data platforms and coordinated policy frameworks among the five member states.

Indian officials, while welcoming the potential for economic collaboration, flagged several diplomatic and security concerns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office reportedly reminded Xi that anti‑China activities—particularly those related to the disputed borders in the Himalayas, as well as Chinese influence operations—would not be tolerated in India. The meeting was marked by a notable diplomatic snub: Xi skipped Modi’s scheduled gala dinner and remained at his hotel, a move mirrored by several opposition chief ministers who also stayed away. Observers note that the absence underscores lingering mistrust, especially after Beijing’s reaffirmation that its positions on Tibet and Taiwan remain unchanged.

Analysts see the five‑point plan as a double‑edged sword for India. On one hand, participation could accelerate the country’s own AI and manufacturing ambitions, aligning with its “Make in India” goals. On the other, deeper integration with BRICS may compel New Delhi to navigate a tighter strategic corridor between Beijing and Moscow, potentially complicating its longstanding non‑aligned stance and its partnerships with the United States and Japan. The coming months will likely determine whether India embraces selective cooperation or adopts a more cautious posture to safeguard its strategic autonomy.