NEW DELHI (LAHORE MIRROR) — Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi next month with a delegation of around 400 officials, marking his first India visit in seven years, Reuters reported, citing Indian sources.
India will host the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, with Xi’s expected presence closely watched for signs of improving relations between Beijing and New Delhi.
Indian officials said Chinese authorities are finalising hotels and security arrangements for the large delegation. Xi’s last visit to India was in 2019, when China sent fewer than 200 officials.
The expected visit comes as the two nuclear-armed neighbours seek to stabilise relations following deadly border clashes in 2020, which killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. A military standoff continued for years before a disengagement agreement was reached in October 2024.
However, tensions have not completely disappeared. India recently said maintaining peace along the disputed Himalayan border remains essential to improving bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval began a visit to Beijing on Monday for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the boundary issue.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches great importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India in successfully hosting the summit, but said it currently had no information to confirm Xi’s visit.
Xi skipped last year’s BRICS summit in Brazil.
If confirmed, his attendance could provide an important opportunity for Modi and Xi to discuss border tensions, trade and regional security, while both countries also navigate growing pressure from US trade policies.
