Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Xi Jinping Arrives in Delhi for BRICS Summit Amid Thaw
Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Delhi for an important BRICS meeting.
BRICS is a group of countries that work together on global issues.
This is Xi’s first visit to India since 2019.
It is also the biggest meeting between the two countries since a serious border clash in 2020.
Xi is expected to speak privately with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
They may discuss trade, business access and their disputed border.
India and China have recently restored some flights and increased official communication.
However, the border disagreement has not been solved.
Other BRICS leaders will also discuss wars, trade problems and energy supplies.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on September 12, 2026, for India’s 18th BRICS Summit.
The visit is Xi’s first to India since 2019 and the highest-level engagement since the 2020 Galwan clash.
Xi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, with trade, border issues and bilateral ties expected to feature.
India and China have restored flights, eased visa arrangements and increased diplomatic contacts, but their Himalayan territorial dispute remains unresolved.
The 11-member BRICS summit is also expected to address conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, trade tensions and energy security.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other BRICS leaders and delegations.
- What
- Xi Jinping arrived in India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and hold scheduled talks with Narendra Modi.
- When
- September 12-13, 2026; Xi arrived on September 12 and is expected to meet Modi that evening.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, including the summit venue at Bharat Mandapam.
- Why
- Xi is attending the BRICS summit while India and China seek to stabilize relations and discuss trade, border issues and broader cooperation.
India’s stated priorities
China’s stated approach
Border and bilateral progress
India’s stated priorities
India maintains that peace and tranquillity along the frontier are essential for sustained progress in relations, while the territorial dispute remains unresolved.
China’s stated approach
Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong called for stronger communication and cooperation, and for the two sides to properly handle their differences from a long-term strategic perspective.
Economic engagement
India’s stated priorities
India is expected to press for greater market access for Indian businesses and more reliable supply chains.
China’s stated approach
China has expressed support for increased cooperation and improved bilateral relations, but the article does not specify Beijing’s position on India’s market-access requests.
- Event
- 18th BRICS Summit
- Dates
- September 12-13, 2026
- Xi’s visit
- First visit to India since 2019
- Delegation
- 67-member official Chinese delegation, including Cai Qi and Wang Yi
- Bilateral meeting
- Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi are scheduled to meet Saturday at 5:45 pm
- Key bilateral issues
- Market access, supply chains, trade and the India-China border
- Summit issues
- Ukraine and West Asia conflicts, trade tensions and energy security
