New Delhi, Sep 2026 : China and India are making arrangements for a bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said.
In a post on social media platform X on Friday, Feihong said the proposed meeting would mark the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met, following their interactions in Kazan, Russia, and Tianjin, China.
“China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi,” the Chinese ambassador said, adding that Beijing would work with New Delhi to implement the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.
He said China intends to approach bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, while strengthening communication and cooperation between the two countries.
According to Feihong, both sides should properly manage differences and work towards a relationship based on good-neighbourly ties and mutual support.
“China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed,” he said.
The development comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. China's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Xi would attend the summit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“At the invitation of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping will attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13,” the ministry said in posts on social media.
The confirmation came after some uncertainty over Xi's visit. During a regular media briefing in Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia-kun declined to provide information about whether the Chinese leader would travel to India for the BRICS meeting.
“I have no information to provide regarding the question you raised,” Guo said when asked about Xi's expected visit.
Xi's visit is significant as it would be his first trip to India in nearly seven years. The visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by both countries to stabilise bilateral relations following the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.
India has consistently stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border is essential for the continued development and progress of bilateral relations.
The two countries have taken several steps in recent years to improve ties and maintain dialogue following tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Prime Minister Modi and President Xi also had a brief interaction during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. Their expected bilateral meeting in New Delhi could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the overall state of India-China relations, border issues and areas of potential cooperation.
The meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit is therefore likely to attract considerable attention as New Delhi and Beijing seek to consolidate the recent stabilisation in their ties while managing outstanding differences through diplomatic engagement.
Disclaimer: This article is sourced from a news agency and has not been independently edited by the MaverickNews30 team. The copy has been slightly edited with AI assistance for language and presentation, without altering the original facts.
