First Xi Jinping Visit to India in Seven Years Tied to BRICS Meeting

President Xi Jinping is set to arrive in New Delhi on September 12, making his first official state visit to India in nearly seven years. The timing coincides with the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, where the Chinese leader will join heads of state from Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and the host nation.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced the visit via its X platform, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation. The trip arrives at a sensitive juncture, as both countries seek to mend ties strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley incident. diplomatic sources indicate that Xi and Modi will engage in a private bilateral dialogue focused on border confidence‑building, trade, and multilateral cooperation.

Recent high‑level military engagements—held at the Vacha sector in Arunachal Pradesh and the Damsang area on the Chinese side—have laid groundwork for smoother diplomatic interactions. These meetings, involving senior commanders, aimed to reinforce mechanisms for rapid communication and reduce the risk of escalation.

The presence of Xi at the BRICS summit is viewed as a signal of China’s willingness to engage constructively on the global stage while addressing bilateral concerns with its large neighbour.