Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the BRICS summit and talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit marks Xi’s first trip to India in nearly seven years. It also comes as the two Asian powers work to rebuild relations after years of military and diplomatic tensions.
India welcomed Xi with a red-carpet ceremony. Traditional performers also greeted the Chinese president after his arrival.
The 18th BRICS Summit is taking place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
Xi Jinping India Visit Highlights Thaw in Relations
The Xi Jinping India visit carries major diplomatic significance.
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply after a deadly border clash in 2020. The confrontation in the Himalayan region killed 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.
Since then, both countries have taken gradual steps to reduce tensions. They have also resumed several forms of institutional engagement.
However, major disagreements remain, particularly over the disputed border and the wider strategic relationship.
Xi and Modi Discuss Future Cooperation
Xi and Modi met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
During their talks, both leaders stressed the importance of improving bilateral relations. Xi called for a strategic and long-term approach to ties between the two countries.
Modi also emphasized the need to maintain peace along the disputed border.
The leaders discussed economic cooperation, trade concerns and stronger people-to-people links. They also backed continued efforts to resolve differences through dialogue.
India and China Seek Better Business Ties
Economic relations remain another important part of the renewed engagement.
India and China have resumed some exchanges after years of disruption. Their leaders now want to expand business connections and improve mobility between the two countries.
However, trade imbalances and other economic concerns remain unresolved.
Therefore, the latest talks represent an effort to build cooperation while managing areas of disagreement.
BRICS Summit Faces Global Tensions
The BRICS summit comes at a difficult time for the global economy and international security.
Leaders are dealing with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, along with disruptions to energy, trade and transport.
Xi urged BRICS countries to play a greater role in promoting peace and cooperation, particularly over the Middle East conflict.
The expanded BRICS group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
The bloc has increasingly presented itself as an important voice for the Global South.
Xi Jinping India Visit Tests a Fragile Reset
The Xi Jinping India visit signals a cautious effort to stabilize relations between two major Asian powers.
Still, the diplomatic thaw does not mean that longstanding disputes have disappeared.
Both countries continue to face strategic differences, including their unresolved Himalayan border dispute and competing regional interests.
For now, however, New Delhi and Beijing appear focused on preventing tensions from derailing broader cooperation.
What Comes Next for India and China?
The latest Modi-Xi meeting could help maintain the recent improvement in bilateral relations.
Both governments have shown interest in stronger economic links, greater communication and peaceful management of their border differences.
At the same time, the relationship remains sensitive.
Ultimately, the Xi Jinping India visit gives both sides another opportunity to strengthen dialogue while protecting their wider national interests.
