Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India on Sept 12 & 13, 2026 for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first foray to this country in 7 years. The visit is expected to garner significant international attention as India & China work to bolster their bilateral relations.

India is hosting the BRICS Summit 2026 as the current BRICS chairman, and the two-day summit will see the convergence of world leaders and heads of state at the highest levels to deliberate on economic cooperation, geopolitical happenings as well as strategic issues pertinent to the Global South.

Modi-Xi Meeting a Highlight

One of the most eagerly awaited developments at this year's BRICS Summit is a likely bilateral meeting between Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting can be expected to provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the overall trajectory of India-China relations, border issues, trade and investment, and regional and international affairs. Recent diplomatic exchanges between New Delhi and Beijing have indicated a desire to maintain dialogue and mutual understanding.

India-China relations have proven to be sensitive as ever since the 2020 border crisis. However, both sides have made efforts in recent years to re-establish communication and strengthen bilateral ties.

Xi Jinping's First India Visit in 7 Years

Xi's forthcoming visit is also notable as it will be his first to India in 7 years.

The Chinese president's last visit to India was in 2019, and since then, relations between the two countries had been marred by significant challenges, with the border tensions in eastern Ladakh being the most prominent.

The latest meeting can be expected to become a significant diplomatic event - and an opportunity for both countries to re-focus and re-ignite India-China relations.

BRICS Summit 2026: Wide Range of Global Issues on Agenda

The BRICS Summit in New Delhi will see a focus on a wide range of issues, from economic cooperation, energy and food security, public health, disaster response, critical supply chains, and reform of global governance institutions.

The BRICS group itself has also expanded in recent years, including countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, so it has become an increasingly important forum for emerging and developing countries.

India is also seeking to bolster cooperation on cross-border digital payments and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) amongst BRICS countries - though there are some geopolitical and technological hurdles to overcome.

India-China Relations at the Forefront

Xi Jinping's India visit comes at a time when both countries are seeking to manage differences and explore areas of cooperation.

Economic relations are likely to be another highlight of discussion. While bilateral trade between the two is substantial, concerns about investment, technology, market access and strategic sectors remain key economic issues.

The Modi-Xi engagement at the BRICS Summit can be expected to be of keen interest as it will highlight the trajectory of India-China diplomatic relations.

Why Xi Jinping's India Visit Matters

Xi's participation gives additional credibility to India's BRICS presidency as well as the New Delhi summit. It also provides a valuable diplomatic platform for India and China to interact directly at the highest levels.

Given the growing geopolitical tensions, the BRICS Summit 2026 can be expected to be closely watched out for developments pertaining to India, China, Russia and other emerging powers.

The Modi-Xi meeting, in particular, could be one of the most significant diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the summit.