Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi today has put India-China ties in focus ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. India has signalled its readiness for constructive discussions, while Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet separately as both sides seek to manage differences and strengthen communication.
Key Takeaways:
- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit, his first India visit in nearly seven years.
- India said it expects constructive discussions with Xi as BRICS seeks deeper cooperation and a more balanced, multipolar world.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on September 12 for the 18th BRICS Summit, beginning a closely watched visit that puts India-China relations back in focus.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada received Xi at the airport. His arrival marks his first visit to India in nearly seven years.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi expects constructive discussions with the Chinese President during his stay. Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit later on Saturday.
India Signals Focus on Constructive Dialogue
The MEA welcomed Xi’s arrival through a post on X.
It said India looks forward to “constructive discussions” as BRICS continues to promote cooperation among its members.
The ministry also said the grouping has a role in contributing to a more balanced, representative and multipolar world.
Xi’s visit comes at a time when India and China continue efforts to stabilise their bilateral relationship. The relationship has faced serious challenges since the deadly Galwan clashes in 2020.
India has repeatedly stressed the importance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas. New Delhi considers stability along the border an important condition for the continued development of bilateral ties.
Modi-Xi Meeting in Focus
The scheduled meeting between Modi and Xi is expected to provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the broader direction of India-China relations.
Sustained communication and the management of differences remain important aspects of the relationship.
Modi and Xi had a brief interaction during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The two leaders had earlier met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin in August 2025.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said on Friday that Beijing and New Delhi were making arrangements for the bilateral meeting.
He also indicated that China would work with India to implement the strategic guidance provided by the two leaders.
China Stresses Long-Term Approach
Xu Feihong said the upcoming meeting would be the third consecutive year in which Modi and Xi meet, following their meetings in Kazan, Russia, and Tianjin, China.
The Chinese envoy said Beijing would work with New Delhi to follow the strategic guidance of the two leaders.
He also said China would approach bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.
According to Xu, the two countries would strengthen communication and enhance cooperation. He also stressed the need to handle differences properly.
The Chinese envoy further underlined the idea of friendship based on good-neighbourliness and partnership in which both sides help each other succeed.
Xi Leads Chinese Delegation
Xi’s delegation includes senior Chinese officials.
According to Ambassador Xu, the entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Cai also serves as director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also part of Xi’s entourage.
Their presence adds senior-level representation to China’s participation in the BRICS Summit.
India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit
India is hosting the two-day 18th BRICS Summit as the group’s 2026 chair.
The summit is taking place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees, are attending the gathering.
India’s BRICS chairship follows the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”.
The theme reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a people-centric approach based on the spirit of “Humanity First.”
The summit agenda extends beyond these core themes.
Leaders are expected to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation within BRICS on shared priorities. They will also exchange views on global and regional issues of mutual importance.
BRICS Membership and Partners
The BRICS grouping includes Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The partner countries are Belarus, Cuba, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Xi’s participation gives India and China an important setting for engagement at a major multilateral gathering.
The bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi will therefore carry significance beyond the BRICS agenda.
It could provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss the future trajectory of their relationship, maintain communication and address differences.
India’s emphasis on constructive discussions and China’s call for a strategic, long-term approach indicate the importance both sides attach to continued engagement. (Edited by Enewstime Desk)