On April 23, 2026, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue met with Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs of India Neena Malhotra in New Delhi. The two sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation under the BRICS mechanism. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong attended the meeting.

Zhai Jun stated that as major developing countries, China and India have always maintained communication on major international and regional issues. China values the important role played by India as the rotating BRICS presidency and hopes that this BRICS consultation on the Middle East will send a strong voice on the regional situation and play a constructive role in achieving regional peace and stability.

Neena Malhotra stated that India values the important role played by China within the BRICS mechanism and appreciates China’s support for India in hosting relevant activities under the mechanism. India is willing to work with BRICS countries, including China, to jointly promote the early deescalation of regional tensions.

The two sides also exchanged views on the war in Iran, the Palestinian question, and other issues.