Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India on September 12-13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. Beijing confirmed the visit on Thursday, adding weight to a summit that could carry major implications for global trade, investment and economic cooperation.
Xi accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His attendance places China at the center of discussions among the expanded BRICS grouping, which has increasingly sought a larger role in global economic governance.
India-China ties in focus
The visit comes after years of strained India-China relations following deadly border clashes in 2020. Since then, both governments have taken steps to reduce military tensions and gradually restore diplomatic and economic engagement.
Xi’s return to India could therefore create an opportunity for both sides to discuss trade, investment, technology and regional stability. A meeting with Modi is also expected on the summit’s sidelines, although the governments had not formally announced the bilateral agenda at the time of reporting.
The economic stakes are significant. India and China remain major trading partners, even as New Delhi continues to scrutinize Chinese investment and technology participation in sensitive industries. Recent efforts to improve relations have included moves affecting sectors such as electronics and solar manufacturing.
BRICS faces economic and geopolitical tests
The summit will also test BRICS’ ability to maintain unity as its membership expands. Leaders are expected to discuss trade, investment, energy security, technology and global governance. However, divisions over geopolitical conflicts could complicate efforts to reach consensus.
For financial markets, Xi’s visit could signal whether India and China can deepen economic engagement while managing their strategic rivalry. It also highlights BRICS’ growing importance as emerging economies seek greater influence over global economic policy.
