Leaders gather for the BRICS summit in New Delhi, the U.S. marks 25 years since 9/11, and Houthi rebels seize strategic Red Sea locations.
Key facts
- •India and China are jockeying for influence over the BRICS agenda during the summit in New Delhi.
- •India aims to increase bilateral trade with Russia to $100 billion by 2030.
- •The 9/11 attacks resulted in over 2,900 deaths on the day of the event and at least 9,500 subsequent deaths from related illnesses.
- •Houthi rebels solidified their grip on the Bab el-Mandeb strait by seizing several strategic islands and port cities.
- •Three Hong Kong activists received prison sentences ranging from five to over seven years for inciting subversion.
The BRICS leaders' summit is underway in New Delhi, where member nations are discussing a counterweight to U.S. influence. Meanwhile, the United States observed the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on Friday. In Yemen, Houthi rebels solidified their control over the Red Sea coast by capturing several strategic islands and port cities.
By the numbers
BRICS Summit Internal Tensions
The BRICS bloc, established in 2009, faces internal divisions, particularly between India and China. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss border disputes and trade issues. Additionally, the group has struggled to maintain consensus on the U.S.-Iran conflict, with the United Arab Emirates suspending trade with Iran earlier this year.
25th Anniversary of 9/11
Friday marked 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Memorial ceremonies in New York City and the Pentagon honored the more than 2,900 people killed in the attacks and the at least 9,500 who have since died from related illnesses. President Donald Trump spoke at the Pentagon, emphasizing the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Houthi Offensive in the Red Sea
Houthi rebels have seized control of Perim Island, the Greater and Lesser Hanish Islands, Zuqar Island, and the town of Dhubab. This follows the capture of the port city of Mokha on Thursday. These gains provide the group control over the Bab el-Mandeb strait, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global shipping and regional security.
Hong Kong Activists Sentenced
A Hong Kong court sentenced three activists—Lee Cheuk-yan, Chow Hang-tung, and Albert Ho—to prison for inciting subversion under the city's national security law. The convictions stem from their organization of vigils commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
Timeline
- Sept. 11, 2001Terrorist attacks occurred in the United States.
- MayBRICS foreign ministers met in India but failed to reach a consensus on the U.S.-Iran conflict.
- AugustThe United Arab Emirates suspended trade with Iran.
- ThursdayHouthi rebels claimed the port city of Mokha.
- FridayHouthi rebels seized several strategic Red Sea islands and port cities.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Foreign Policy.
