New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India on September 12-13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. Xi’s visit comes at a significant juncture in India-China relations, which have witnessed a cautious improvement following years of tensions triggered by the 2020 border confrontation in eastern Ladakh. The two countries have since taken steps to restore dialogue and ease some restrictions affecting bilateral ties. The Chinese leader’s participation in the BRICS summit is expected to draw considerable attention, particularly to his possible bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Reports indicate that Modi and Xi are expected to hold talks on the sidelines of the summit on September 12.
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The discussions are likely to focus on the overall state of bilateral relations, border issues, trade, investment and efforts to strengthen economic engagement. Despite the recent diplomatic thaw, concerns over strategic trust and business ties remain. India is hosting the BRICS summit at Bharat Mandapam on September 12-13. Leaders are expected to discuss global economic cooperation, multilateralism and major geopolitical developments. The summit comes as the expanded BRICS grouping seeks to strengthen its role in global affairs.
Xi’s visit is therefore being viewed as an important opportunity for New Delhi and Beijing to consolidate recent progress and explore avenues for stabilising their relationship. The Chinese President’s last visit to India was in October 2019, when he travelled to Mamallapuram for an informal summit with Modi.
