Foreign Affairs

Xi Jinping To Attend BRICS Summit, Xi Modi Meeting Likely In Delhi

Xi Jinping To Attend BRICS Summit in Delhi, with a possible Xi Modi meeting marking his first India visit since the 2020 Galwan clashes.

Xi Jinping To Attend BRICS Summit In Delhi: Xi Modi Meeting, First India Visit Since 2020 Galwan Clashes

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, marking his first visit to India since 2019 and his first trip after the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has officially confirmed Xi’s participation at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The visit is attracting considerable attention because it comes at a sensitive stage in India-China relations. A potential xi modi meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit could provide an important opportunity for both leaders to discuss bilateral ties, border issues, trade and broader geopolitical developments.

Xi Jinping To Attend BRICS Summit In Delhi

Xi Jinping’s participation makes the upcoming BRICS Summit particularly significant for India and the wider grouping. The summit will bring together leaders of major emerging economies at a time of heightened global geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi will attend the summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13. His arrival will be closely watched because he has not visited India since October 2019, when he met Modi in Mamallapuram for an informal summit.

His return to India comes after several years of diplomatic and military tensions between New Delhi and Beijing.

First India Visit Since 2020 Galwan Clashes

The significance of Xi’s visit is closely linked to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which severely damaged India-China relations. The confrontation in eastern Ladakh resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and Chinese military casualties, triggering a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Read more: Jal Shakti Push: Modi’s Centre-State Coordination Drive

Following the clash, diplomatic engagement between the two countries slowed considerably. Military deployments increased along the disputed frontier, while economic and investment restrictions also affected bilateral business relations.

However, relations have gradually shown signs of improvement. India and China have taken steps involving border disengagement, diplomatic communication, direct flights and visa arrangements. These developments have created space for renewed high-level engagement.

Xi Modi Meeting: What Could Be Discussed?

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the summit is the expected xi modi meeting. Reports indicate that Modi and Xi are likely to hold a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the BRICS gathering. The meeting would be closely watched because of the unresolved issues between the two countries.

The two leaders could discuss the boundary situation along the LAC, mechanisms for maintaining peace and stability, trade, investment, visas and broader economic cooperation.

According to reports, India and China are also working toward greater economic engagement while continuing discussions over their longstanding boundary dispute. A proposed strategic economic dialogue could address concerns related to trade imbalances, market access and investment restrictions.

India-China Relations Show Signs Of A Thaw

The upcoming visit comes after a period of cautious diplomatic recovery. Modi and Xi have met at international forums since the 2020 crisis, including their interaction at the BRICS Summit in Kazan in 2024.

Since then, both sides have taken incremental steps to stabilise relations. Direct flights have resumed, some visa restrictions have been eased and India has relaxed certain restrictions on Chinese investment in selected sectors.

Despite these developments, major challenges remain. The border dispute, security concerns, trade imbalance and restrictions affecting businesses continue to influence the relationship.

Why The BRICS Summit Is Important

The BRICS Summit provides a diplomatic platform where India and China can engage without making the meeting exclusively about their bilateral disputes. The expanded BRICS grouping has become increasingly important in global economic and geopolitical discussions.

For India, hosting the summit offers an opportunity to strengthen its position among emerging economies while maintaining strategic relationships with countries including China and Russia. For China, Xi’s presence in Delhi demonstrates the importance Beijing places on its relationship with India and on cooperation through BRICS.

The summit is also taking place against the backdrop of major global conflicts, economic uncertainty and tensions involving the United States and other major powers.

What To Expect From Xi’s India Visit

Xi Jinping’s visit is unlikely to immediately resolve all outstanding India-China disagreements. Analysts have pointed to a continuing trust deficit and significant differences over security and economic issues.

Resad more: PM Modi, Xi Jinping To Hold Bilateral Meeting On Day 1 Of BRICS Summit

However, the visit could provide momentum for continued dialogue. A constructive xi modi meeting could help both governments identify areas where cooperation is possible while keeping disagreements under diplomatic management.

For India, the priority is likely to remain peace and stability along the border alongside stronger economic opportunities. For China, improving ties with India could strengthen regional diplomacy and cooperation within BRICS.

Xi’s arrival in New Delhi therefore carries significance far beyond the BRICS Summit itself. It represents the latest stage in a cautious attempt by two major Asian powers to move from years of confrontation toward dialogue, managed competition and selective cooperation.

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