Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in India for a BRICS summit focused on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and global economic challenges.

Putin met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy while discussing maritime security and trade.

Modi also met Pezeshkian and emphasized protecting freedom of navigation, commercial activity and the safety of ship crews.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the summit and meet Modi as India and China continue cautiously improving relations after years of tensions, Al-Jazeera has reported.

The expanded BRICS group faces divisions over the Iran conflict, Ukraine war and competing interests among its members, putting its ability to reach a unified position under pressure.