Xi Jinping Likely to Visit India for 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India for the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. His visit would be his first trip to India in seven years and comes at a time when India-China relations are showing signs of cautious improvement after years of tensions following the 2020 border clashes. 

Significance of Xi Jinping’s Visit for India

Xi Jinping’s expected India visit comes against the backdrop of a gradual thaw in India-China relations after the sharp deterioration caused by the 2020 eastern Ladakh border clashes, in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed.

• Improving Bilateral Relations: The visit could help consolidate the recent improvement in India-China relations and restore high-level political dialogue.
• Border Stability: Discussions between PM Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping could help maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and address unresolved border concerns.
• Reducing Trust Deficit: Direct engagement at the leadership level could help rebuild mutual trust that was severely affected by the 2020 border crisis.
• Boosting Economic Ties: India could seek greater cooperation in trade, investment and supply chains, while addressing concerns related to the trade imbalance and dependence on Chinese imports.
• Strengthening Strategic Autonomy: Engagement with China through BRICS allows India to pursue its interests while maintaining strategic partnerships with other major powers.
• Promoting Global South Cooperation: India can use its BRICS presidency to advance the concerns of developing countries on development, energy security, food security and global governance reforms.
• Managing Strategic Competition: The visit provides an opportunity to engage China diplomatically while continuing to safeguard India’s national security and strategic interests.
• Strengthening India’s Global Role: Hosting the BRICS Summit and facilitating dialogue between major powers can reinforce India’s position as an important voice in a multipolar international order.

About BRICS Summit 2026

18th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, during India’s fourth BRICS chairship. The summit is particularly significant as 2026 marks 20 years of BRICS, providing India an opportunity to shape the grouping’s agenda around Global South priorities, economic cooperation, innovation and sustainable development.

• Host Country: India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit as part of its 2026 BRICS chairship. This is India’s fourth BRICS presidency, after 2012, 2016 and 2021.
• Venue and Dates: The summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on September 12–13, 2026, bringing together leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping.
• 2026 Theme: India’s BRICS presidency is centred on “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, with “Humanity First” as the broader guiding vision.
• 20 Years of BRICS: The year 2026 marks two decades since the establishment of BRICS, making the summit an important occasion to assess the grouping’s evolution and future direction.
• Expanded BRICS: BRICS has expanded from its original five members to 11 members, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. The expansion has increased the grouping’s geographical and economic significance.
• Global South Cooperation: India is expected to use its chairship to strengthen cooperation among developing and emerging economies and highlight issues such as development finance, food security, energy security and climate change.
• Economic and Financial Cooperation: The summit will provide a platform to discuss trade, investment, financial cooperation and economic resilience, particularly amid global economic uncertainties.
• Resilient Supply Chains: Supply-chain resilience is an important priority, with BRICS countries seeking greater cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities caused by geopolitical tensions, disruptions and excessive dependence on concentrated sources.

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