Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in nearly seven years. His arrival comes as India hosts the two-day summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13, with global attention focused on his scheduled bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi-Xi Meeting: Key Test for India-China Ties
Modi and Xi are expected to hold talks later on Saturday on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting is being closely watched as both countries seek to consolidate a cautious improvement in ties after years of tensions following the 2020 eastern Ladakh border crisis.
China has signalled its willingness to improve engagement, with its leadership saying Beijing wants to “properly handle differences” with India while expanding cooperation.
LAC, Trade and Economic Ties on Agenda
The Line of Actual Control is expected to remain a key issue in the discussions. Both sides have made progress on disengagement and border-management mechanisms, but unresolved strategic concerns continue to influence the relationship.
Trade and market access are also likely to receive significant attention. India has raised concerns over the widening trade imbalance with China, while both countries are exploring ways to stabilise economic ties. A proposed strategic economic dialogue could address issues including market access, investment and visa restrictions.
Wider Regional and Global Context
The meeting comes as BRICS leaders confront major geopolitical challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, energy-security concerns and growing tensions between major global powers. India is seeking to use its BRICS chairship to push for greater cooperation while maintaining its strategic relationships with multiple countries.
Xi's visit therefore carries significance beyond the BRICS Summit, with the Modi-Xi meeting likely to indicate whether the recent thaw in India-China relations can translate into broader diplomatic and economic engagement.