Xi Jinping Likely to Visit India for BRICS Summit After 7 Years

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping may travel to India next month to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi. News agency Reuters reported this, citing sources. However, China has not yet officially confirmed Xi Jinping's visit to India. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tianjin, China, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. It is believed that Xi Jinping feels diplomatic pressure to visit India in return for PM Modi's visit.

Xi Jinping to Visit India for the First Time in 7 Years

The report, citing sources, states that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit India with a large delegation. This would be his first visit to India in seven years. It is being viewed as a sign of improving India-China relations. Two other Indian sources indicated that a delegation of approximately 400 Chinese officials is likely to accompany Xi Jinping. During his 2019 visit to India, Xi Jinping had brought fewer than 200 officials with him.

Does Jinping Want to Repay PM Modi's 'Debt'?

PM Modi had visited China—marking his first visit there following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash—and this trip was seen as a milestone for relations between the two nations. India-China relations had remained strained for a long period due to the Galwan clash. To dispel this mistrust, PM Modi had decided to attend the SCO summit in person rather than sending another leader. Now, Chinese President Xi Jinping wishes to visit India to reciprocate the gesture previously shown by PM Modi. This is also being viewed as an initiative by China to improve relations with India.

What are the dates for the 2026 BRICS Summit?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has already confirmed his participation in the BRICS Summit. Additionally, heads of state from other member nations are also expected to attend. The 18th BRICS Summit will be held on September 12–13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with India serving as the host. Discussions at the summit are expected to cover economic partnerships, regional security, the global landscape, and issues concerning developing nations. Notably, this marks the fourth time India is holding the BRICS presidency; India previously held the presidency in 2012, 2016, and 2021.