Beijing/New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday, ending speculation over Beijing’s representation at the high-profile gathering.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Xi will travel to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the BRICS summit.
Beijing kept visit under wraps
China had initially avoided confirming whether Xi would attend the summit in person. As recently as Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning declined to provide details when asked about China’s representation, saying that any official information would be released in due course.
The subsequent announcement of Xi’s visit has now put an end to uncertainty over his participation.
Chinese Prez Xi Jinping confirms India visit for BRICS summit. First visit of Chinese Prez to India in 7 years, as Delhi-Beijing work towards mending ties.
Reporting:pic.twitter.com/buMAB3edOc
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 10, 2026
Xi’s first India visit in seven years
Xi’s New Delhi trip will be his first visit to India in seven years and comes at a significant time for India-China relations. Both countries have recently taken steps aimed at easing tensions and gradually restoring diplomatic engagement after years of strained ties.
The two sides have intensified high-level discussions on the border issue. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who serve as Special Representatives on the boundary question, held talks in Beijing in August, with the two sides reaching understandings on measures to manage the border situation.
Despite the recent diplomatic engagement, major differences remain between the two neighbours, particularly over border security, trade, investment and broader strategic concerns. Relations have shown signs of a cautious thaw since tensions escalated after the 2020 border confrontation.
Modi-Xi meeting likely to draw attention
A possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit is expected to be one of the closely watched developments in New Delhi.
A direct interaction between the two leaders could offer important signals about the pace of the ongoing India-China diplomatic thaw. It may also provide an opportunity to discuss ways to expand economic engagement and strengthen communication while keeping unresolved border and security issues on the table.
Xi’s participation is also significant for the BRICS grouping, which has expanded in recent years and is seeking to strengthen its role in global economic and geopolitical affairs.
With India hosting the summit on September 12 and 13, New Delhi will have an opportunity to engage China at the highest political level while pursuing a cautious approach to bilateral relations—seeking greater stability without compromising on its core security and territorial concerns.
