Archive · 13 Sep 2026
India-China Ties Show Signs of Thaw Through Flights and Trade
India and China have had difficult relations, but recent signs suggest they are talking and cooperating more.
Their leaders, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping, met at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
It was their third meeting in a row after meetings in 2024 and 2025.
The countries have made progress on managing their border.
Border trade and direct flights have restarted.
Some visa and investment restrictions have also been eased.
Experts say more trade and exchanges could help rebuild trust.
The countries also want to cooperate through BRICS and other international groups.
China will host the next BRICS summit in 2027.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met during the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The meeting was their third consecutive encounter after talks in Kazan in 2024 and Tianjin in 2025.
Recent progress includes border-management agreements, resumed border trade, restored direct flights and increased people-to-people exchanges.
India has eased some visa restrictions and approved limited Chinese investment in sectors including electronics, capital goods and solar cells.
China will chair BRICS and host the 19th summit in 2027 after members adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with officials and experts discussing bilateral relations.
- What
- India and China showed signs of improving relations through border-management agreements, resumed trade, restored flights, eased restrictions and renewed exchanges.
- When
- The leaders met on Saturday during the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026; earlier meetings occurred in 2024 and 2025.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit.
- Why
- The countries are seeking to rebuild political trust, expand practical cooperation and manage differences while increasing coordination through BRICS and other multilateral forums.
- Leaders' meeting
- Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping met during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Recent bilateral progress
- Developments include border-management agreements, resumed border trade, restored direct flights and increased people-to-people exchanges.
- Restrictions eased
- India has eased some visa restrictions and lifted some investment restrictions on Chinese firms.
- Permitted investment sectors
- Updated rules allow Chinese investment in specific sectors including electronics, capital goods and solar cells.
- BRICS declaration
- Members unanimously adopted the 45-page New Delhi Declaration 2026, containing 140 points.
- 2027 BRICS summit
- China will assume the BRICS presidency and host the 19th BRICS Summit in 2027.
- Declaration theme
- The declaration addressed fair competition, including in renewable energy markets, and sustainable energy transitions.