New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in nearly seven years. His visit comes at a significant juncture in India-China relations, with both sides seeking to stabilise ties and maintain dialogue following tensions along the border.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong announced Xi's departure on social media platform X and said the Chinese delegation includes senior officials Cai Qi and Wang Yi. Cai Qi is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, while Wang Yi is a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The proposed meeting is likely to focus on the broader state of bilateral relations, continued engagement between the two countries and efforts to address outstanding differences.
India and China have been working to improve relations following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, which severely affected bilateral ties. New Delhi has consistently maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for the continued development of relations between the two countries.
Modi and Xi had a brief interaction during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. Their expected meeting in New Delhi would provide an opportunity for the two leaders to undertake more detailed discussions on bilateral and regional matters.
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said Beijing and New Delhi were making arrangements for the meeting between Xi and Modi. He also indicated that China intends to work with India to implement the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.
"China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi. This will be the third year in a row for the two leaders to meet with each other, following their meetings in Kazan (Russia) and Tianjin (China)," Xu said on Friday.
The ambassador said China would work with India to strengthen communication, expand cooperation, appropriately manage differences and approach bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective.
He also described the two countries as neighbours and partners, stressing the importance of constructive engagement and mutual cooperation.
Xi's presence at the BRICS Summit is expected to add significance to discussions on the future trajectory of India-China relations. The two sides are likely to emphasise the need for sustained communication, responsible management of differences and continued efforts to prevent bilateral disagreements from affecting broader engagement.
The 18th BRICS Summit will bring together leaders from member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees. Discussions are expected to cover ways to deepen cooperation within the grouping and exchange views on major global and regional developments.
For India and China, the summit provides an important diplomatic platform to engage at the highest level and explore avenues for strengthening stability and cooperation while addressing areas of concern.
