Chinese President Xi Jinping may travel to India next month to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking what could be his first visit to the country in seven years. A large Chinese delegation is also expected to accompany him.
India will host the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13. While the meeting will focus on the bloc’s broader agenda, Xi’s possible visit is expected to draw significant attention because it could provide another indication of efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilize ties after the 2020 border clashes.
Preparations Underway for Xi Jinping’s Visit
An Indian source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Chinese officials are working on hotel arrangements and security protocols ahead of the summit.
Xi’s potential visit would come after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to China last year for the first time in seven years. Relations between the two Asian powers have gradually improved since then, although a recent border-related dispute has triggered renewed diplomatic tensions.
China May Send 400 Officials to India
Two other Indian sources said Xi could be accompanied by a delegation of around 400 officials. This would be significantly larger than the Chinese delegation that traveled with him during his previous visit to India in 2019, when fewer than 200 officials reportedly accompanied him.
Indian and Chinese officials are expected to use the BRICS Summit to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation while managing longstanding disagreements over the border and wider regional security issues.
Xi-Modi Meeting Could Be Closely Watched
The final schedule for Xi’s India visit, including the possibility of a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has not yet been finalized.
Any meeting between the two leaders could become one of the most closely watched developments at the BRICS Summit, particularly given the efforts by both countries to improve relations following years of tensions along their disputed Himalayan border.
China Yet to Confirm Xi’s India Visit
China has not officially confirmed that Xi Jinping will travel to India for the summit.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches great importance to BRICS cooperation and actively participates in the grouping. It also said China supports India, the current BRICS chair, in successfully hosting this year’s summit.
However, the ministry said it currently had no information to provide regarding Xi’s possible visit.
Xi did not attend the previous BRICS Summit held in Brazil in 2025, making his potential appearance in New Delhi particularly significant.
Why Xi Jinping’s BRICS Visit Matters
Xi’s possible trip to India could become an important moment in India-China relations. Beyond the BRICS agenda, the summit could offer both countries an opportunity to discuss economic cooperation, border tensions and regional security.
For New Delhi, Beijing and the wider BRICS grouping, the presence of both leaders could also signal whether recent efforts to stabilize bilateral relations are gaining momentum.
