Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, putting the focus on the latest phase of India-China engagement and his upcoming bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Xi's visit is his first to India in seven years and comes after relations between the two countries went through a prolonged period of tension following the deadly 2020 military confrontation in eastern Ladakh. The two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
ssue/Event: Modi-Xi bilateral talks during BRICS Summit
Location: New Delhi, India
Authority/Organisation: Government of India and Government of China
Action Taken: Xi Jinping arrived in India and is scheduled to meet PM Modi
Impact: Talks could influence the next phase of India-China diplomatic and economic engagement
Beijing has signalled that it wants India-China relations to be handled from a long-term and strategic perspective. Chinese officials have also called for the two countries to strengthen communication and cooperation while managing their differences appropriately.
The talks are expected to focus on the broader relationship, including economic and trade cooperation, connectivity and outstanding bilateral issues. Both sides are also working to rebuild confidence after the military tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
India and China have taken several steps towards stabilising ties since the 2024 disengagement arrangements along the disputed border. Diplomatic engagement has increased, while direct air connectivity between the two countries has also begun to recover. China Southern Airlines has announced the resumption of regular Guangzhou-New Delhi passenger flights from September 21.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The Modi-Xi meeting is significant because it comes after years of strained India-China relations and at a time when both sides are attempting to stabilise ties. Trade is another major factor. China remains a critical source of imports for India, while New Delhi wants to expand Indian exports and address the large trade imbalance. The talks will also be closely watched for indications of progress on restoring trust, improving connectivity and managing unresolved security concerns.
Economic relations remain another important part of the relationship. Bilateral trade has reached around $151 billion, although India continues to face a substantial trade deficit with China. New Delhi is also seeking greater market access for Indian exports while remaining cautious about Chinese investment in strategically sensitive sectors.
The meeting therefore comes at a sensitive stage: India and China are attempting to expand areas of cooperation while significant strategic and security differences remain unresolved.
