Xi Jinping Lands in Delhi, Modi-Xi Meeting in Focus

New Delhi, September 12, 2026 Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which India is hosting on September 12 and 13. His visit comes at an important point in India-China relations, with both countries working to restore stability and maintain dialogue after a prolonged period of tensions. Xi’s return to India after seven years has consequently drawn considerable diplomatic attention. The Chinese President’s visit coincides with India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026. New Delhi is hosting the summit under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with discussions expected to cover development, economic cooperation, sustainability, innovation and issues concerning the Global South. The visit has also heightened expectations around Xi’s interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to hold bilateral discussions during the summit, making their engagement an important part of Xi’s New Delhi visit. Their meeting comes amid recent efforts by India and China to improve bilateral ties and create conditions for greater stability in their relationship. The BRICS gathering is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, economic fragmentation, trade pressures and rapid technological changes. As the grouping has expanded its membership, India is using its Chairship to push for stronger cooperation among emerging economies and more effective representation of developing countries in global institutions. Xi Jinping’s arrival adds further weight to an already closely watched BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Beyond the broader multilateral discussions, the outcome of the Modi-Xi engagement could offer an indication of how India-China relations may develop in the coming period, particularly as both sides seek to consolidate recent efforts towards a more stable relationship.