Xi Jinping to Attend 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi; West Bengal CM Calls for Arrests Over Religious Protests

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to make his first visit to India in nearly seven years as he participates in the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13 in New Delhi. The announcement was made by China’s foreign ministry, highlighting the significance of Xi’s presence in light of the evolving dynamics in India-China relations. This visit is anticipated to include a meeting between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a crucial moment for both nations that have seen improved ties since 2024, following a prolonged period of tensions stemming from military confrontations in eastern Ladakh.

In a notable development, the Bangladesh government has opted not to send an official representative to the summit. Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister has stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was not extended an invitation, despite India reportedly inviting him to attend in his capacity as chairperson of BIMSTEC and for a subsequent bilateral meeting. This decision adds another layer of complexity to the regional diplomatic landscape as India continues to strengthen its role within South Asia.

In parallel to these international developments, domestic tensions have arisen in West Bengal regarding remarks made by religious leader Dhirendra Shastri. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has taken a firm stance by directing police to arrest individuals who protested against Shastri, specifically those who burned his photographs. The protests were triggered by Shastri’s controversial statements regarding meat consumption during the auspicious Durga Puja festival. The head of the Bageshwar Dham temple had urged Hindus to refrain from consuming what he referred to as “dirty” non-vegetarian food during this sacred period and cautioned against selling meat near Durga idols.

Adhikari defended Shastri’s comments, asserting that the religious figure merely expressed his opinion rather than imposing restrictions on the public. This incident has sparked a heated debate in the state regarding religious sentiments and freedom of expression, placing the government in a challenging position as it navigates the delicate balance between maintaining law and order and respecting individuals’ rights to protest.

As the BRICS Summit approaches, the attention not only remains on the global discussions anticipated at the event but also on how domestic issues in India are unfolding against the backdrop of international diplomacy. The interactions between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi could provide insights into the future trajectory of India-China relations, while simultaneously, the handling of local protests underscores the ongoing societal dialogues surrounding religious beliefs and practices in India.

Source: scroll.in