New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month for the BRICS summit in New Delhi, in what could become one of the most important moments in the recent effort to improve relations between the two Asian powers.
If the visit goes ahead, it would be Xi’s first trip to India in seven years. India is scheduled to host the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, bringing together leaders from major emerging economies. Xi’s possible presence could give Prime Minister Narendra Modi an opportunity for another direct meeting with the Chinese leader at a time when both countries are trying to manage their differences and rebuild communication.
The possible visit comes as India and China are stepping up diplomatic discussions on their long standing border dispute. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on August 24 for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two officials are expected to discuss the disputed Himalayan border as well as wider issues affecting relations between the two countries.
The timing of the talks has attracted particular attention because they are taking place only weeks before the expected BRICS summit. The discussions could help create a more stable environment for any meeting between Modi and Xi in New Delhi.
Relations between India and China suffered a major setback after deadly clashes between their soldiers in eastern Ladakh in 2020. The confrontation led both countries to strengthen their military presence along the disputed frontier and created deep mistrust between the two governments.
Since then, India and China have gradually worked to reduce tensions. A disengagement agreement reached in 2024 helped create some space for diplomatic engagement, although important differences remain. The border question continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to a complete improvement in relations.
The possible visit by Xi therefore carries importance beyond the BRICS meeting itself. A direct meeting between Xi and Modi could allow the two leaders to discuss the border situation, trade, investment, regional security and other areas where the interests of the two countries overlap.
Another notable aspect of the possible visit is the size of the Chinese delegation. Reports indicate that Xi could travel with a delegation of around 400 officials. Such a large group would suggest that Beijing may be preparing for extensive diplomatic and economic discussions rather than treating the visit as a routine appearance at a multilateral summit.
For India, improved relations with China could have economic and strategic benefits. The two countries are major trading partners, although their economic relationship has been affected by political tensions and restrictions on investment and business activity in recent years.
China, meanwhile, has also shown interest in maintaining communication with India at a time of wider geopolitical uncertainty. Both countries are members of BRICS and other international groupings, and both have an interest in strengthening their influence in a changing global order.
The United States is another factor in the wider relationship. India has strengthened its strategic partnership with Washington in recent years while continuing to maintain its independent foreign policy. China has been increasingly critical of US policies in the region. These wider geopolitical developments make stable communication between Beijing and New Delhi important for both sides.
However, Xi’s possible visit should not be interpreted as evidence that India and China have resolved their disagreements. The border dispute remains unresolved, and differences continue over territory, security and regional issues.
For New Delhi, peace and stability along the border remain essential to improving the broader relationship. India is expected to continue insisting that progress in bilateral ties must be supported by stability along the frontier.
The coming weeks could therefore be important for India China relations. The outcome of the Doval Wang talks in Beijing, the final decision on Xi’s travel plans and preparations for the BRICS summit will provide clearer indications of how far the two countries are prepared to take their diplomatic engagement.
If Xi does travel to New Delhi, his meeting with Modi could become the central diplomatic event of the BRICS summit. It may not produce an immediate breakthrough on the border dispute, but it could mark another significant step in the cautious effort by India and China to move away from years of confrontation and towards a more predictable relationship.