Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit New Delhi for the BRICS Summit. This will be his first visit to India in seven years, potentially opening the way for improved relations between the two countries. Relations between India and China reached a low point after the 2020 border clash in Galwan Valley. In recent months, both countries have been making efforts to bring things back on track. The BRICS Summit could be a turning point in this regard.
Reuters, citing sources, reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend the BRICS Summit with a large delegation. India is hosting the BRICS Summit on September 12th and 13th. Therefore, Xi’s presence in Delhi and his meeting with Modi will be closely watched to see if they signal a potential improvement in India-China relations.
An Indian source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Chinese officials are busy finalizing hotel and security protocols. Two other Indian sources said Xi is expected to be accompanied by a delegation of 400 officials. His previous visit in 2019 had fewer than 200.
Officials from both countries are expected to use the summit to discuss ways to enhance mutual cooperation and resolve ongoing differences on border and regional security issues. The final plans for Xi’s visit and the agenda for a possible bilateral meeting between India and China are yet to be finalized.
There has been no official announcement from either side regarding Xi’s visit to Delhi. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that it attaches importance to BRICS and supports India’s hosting this year. At present, there is no information available about President Xi’s visit. India’s Foreign Ministry has not commented.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years in 2025, signaling improved relations. However, the border issue remains a bone of contention between the two countries. The two countries share a disputed border stretching approximately 3,800 kilometers along the Himalayas, a large portion of which remains undemarcated.
The border dispute between the two countries dates back decades, but the recent escalation has been fueled by the Galwan Valley clashes. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in Galwan Valley in 2020. This incident brought the two countries to the brink of war. A military standoff followed for four years, ultimately leading to a disengagement agreement in October 2024.