Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India next month to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, with a delegation of around 400 officials expected to accompany him, according to a Reuters report citing sources. If confirmed, the visit would mark Xi’s first trip to India in seven years and could provide fresh momentum to efforts aimed at improving ties between the two Asian neighbours.
Xi is expected to travel to New Delhi on September 12-13 for the BRICS summit. The Chinese delegation is likely to be significantly larger than the one that accompanied him during his previous visit to India in 2019. At that time, fewer than 200 Chinese officials travelled with the president.
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According to two Indian sources cited by Reuters, around 400 officials could accompany Xi this time. One Indian source with direct knowledge of the preparations said Chinese officials were working on arrangements, including hotels and security protocols.
However, Xi’s final travel plans have not yet been officially confirmed. The agenda for a possible bilateral meeting between Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also yet to be finalised.
China’s foreign ministry said Beijing attaches importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India, which is currently chairing the grouping, in successfully hosting this year’s summit. However, the ministry said it had no information to provide regarding Xi’s possible visit.
The expected visit comes at a time when India and China are making renewed efforts to stabilise their bilateral relationship following years of tensions over the disputed border.
On Tuesday, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing. The discussions focused on maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas and strengthening bilateral relations across economic, political and multilateral platforms.
The meeting took place during Doval’s visit to Beijing for the 25th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China on the boundary question. Doval is also expected to hold discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The two countries have been attempting to rebuild relations after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed. The confrontation resulted in a prolonged military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control.
In October 2024, India and China reached a disengagement agreement, paving the way for renewed diplomatic engagement and high-level meetings.
Since then, relations have gradually improved, with several interactions between Modi and Xi. A possible meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi could further strengthen the diplomatic process and provide an opportunity to discuss border issues as well as broader economic and strategic cooperation.
