Xi Jinping Set to Visit India for BRICS Summit After Seven-Year Hiatus

In a significant diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit India on September 12, 2026, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years. His attendance at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi comes after a lengthy period of strained relations between the two nations.

During this visit, President Xi will engage in bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders last met during an informal summit in October 2019. Xi's delegation will include notable figures such as Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who will likely hold talks with India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to address ongoing trade concerns.

Focus on Trade and Cooperation

The upcoming discussions are expected to navigate the complexities of the trade relationship between India and China, which has seen a significant rise in trade but also a widening deficit. In the first half of 2026, trade between the two countries reached $91.72 billion, a notable increase from the previous year, with India's trade deficit ballooning to $67.1 billion. Both nations are keen to address these economic challenges while exploring opportunities for cooperation in areas such as connectivity and climate action.

Significance of the Visit

Xi's visit carries considerable weight for the future of China-India relations, especially in light of past tensions that escalated following a violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. The current diplomatic climate suggests a gradual thawing of relations, with recent meetings between the two leaders emphasizing a partnership rather than rivalry. According to Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami, a stable relationship between these two populous nations is crucial not only for their mutual benefit but also for regional and global stability.

Source: www.thehindu.com