Xi Jinping Likely to Visit India for BRICS Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India next month for the BRICS summit in New Delhi, potentially marking his first trip to the country in seven years. Indian officials familiar with preparations say Xi could travel with a delegation of around 400 officials, although Beijing has not yet formally confirmed his participation.
Xi Jinping May Bring 400-Member Delegation
Preparations are reportedly underway for Xi’s possible arrival, with Chinese officials working on hotel arrangements and security protocols for the visiting delegation.
Around 400 officials could accompany the Chinese President, significantly larger than the fewer than 200 officials who travelled with him during his previous India visit in 2019.
Xi’s final itinerary and plans for bilateral meetings have not yet been confirmed.
India to Host BRICS Summit in September
India will host the BRICS leaders’ summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Xi’s potential attendance would attract particular attention because of recent efforts by India and China to stabilise bilateral relations.
China has said it attaches significant importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India in successfully hosting the summit, while stating that it currently has no official information to provide regarding Xi’s travel plans.
Xi Visit Could Signal India-China Thaw
Relations deteriorated sharply following the 2020 border clashes, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops. A disengagement agreement reached in October 2024 helped restart high-level political engagement.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is currently in Beijing for boundary talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
If Xi attends the summit, attention will also focus on whether he holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both countries attempt to manage border differences while expanding diplomatic and economic engagement.
