Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month for the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in nearly seven years if the visit goes ahead.
People familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times that Xi is expected to arrive with a large delegation for the summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Chinese officials are reportedly working on arrangements, including hotels and security protocols.
The potential visit comes at a significant point in India-China relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between the two countries’ troops along the Line of Actual Control.
Xi’s possible India visit
Xi’s visit, if confirmed, would be his first to India since 2019. His potential participation in the BRICS summit is being closely watched as New Delhi and Beijing seek to stabilise ties following years of border-related tensions.
The two countries have taken steps in recent years to revive diplomatic engagement and improve communication. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi have also held meetings on the sidelines of multilateral events, including the 2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin.
The possible India visit could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss bilateral relations, border issues and broader regional and global developments.
BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi
India is set to host the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The summit is expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from member countries to discuss economic cooperation and major international issues.
Xi’s presence would add significance to the gathering, particularly amid ongoing efforts by India and China to rebuild trust and normalise relations.
However, the visit has not been officially confirmed yet. Any final announcement is expected to depend on diplomatic discussions and the completion of arrangements.
India-China ties after Galwan
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The confrontation led to a prolonged military standoff along the disputed border and significantly affected bilateral ties.
Since then, both sides have continued diplomatic and military-level talks aimed at reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Against this backdrop, a visit by Xi to New Delhi could become an important diplomatic moment for the two Asian powers and potentially signal another step towards stabilising their relationship.
