The China-India sides are planning to hold a bilateral discussion between President of China Xi Jinping and the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi during the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026 to be held in New Delhi, as reported by the China Foreign Ministry. President Xi is expected to visit India during September 12-13 to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit.
The proposed discussion comes at a time when the relations between India and China seem to be improving gradually after years of strained ties especially in view of the border dispute of 2020. Both nations have kept diplomatic and military lines open while trying to improve their ties.
BRICS Summit 2026: Why the Modi-Xi Meeting Matters
The BRICS Summit 2026 is going to be held in New Delhi, India, on September 12 and 13. The Foreign Ministry of China stated that President Xi Jinping will participate in the summit upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This is a very good platform for dialogue and cooperation between India and China since while the main theme of the BRICS summit lies in cooperation of emerging and developing nations, side meetings always create a chance to talk about bilateral issues.
The Foreign Ministry of China added that China looks at China-India relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and aims to enhance communication and cooperation along with proper handling of differences.
Such an attitude towards the ties between the two Asian nations is very crucial since this tie encompasses both cooperation and competition.
What China Has Said About the Modi-Xi Meeting
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made an official statement confirming that both countries are making arrangements for a bilateral summit between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi during his visit to India.
The statement shows that the Beijing government recognizes the significance of high-level communication in handling their relations. Instead of indicating that there have been no unresolved issues, the Chinese government representatives have stressed the importance of enhanced communication and collaboration despite differences.
This aspect matters because a leadership summit will enhance diplomatic communication; however, it will not necessarily resolve existing problems between the two countries.
Nevertheless, Xi’s participation in the BRICS Summit 2026 provides a chance for both governments to build on the positive dynamics created recently due to diplomatic engagement.
India-China Relations Have Shown Signs of Improvement
Since the 2020 border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), relations between India and China have soured considerably. Nevertheless, efforts have been made by both sides via diplomatic and military means to normalize and stabilize the border situation.
In 2024, during their meeting on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on the significance of resolving disagreements and disputes without disturbing peace and tranquility in the border regions.
Both leaders also agreed to enhance dialogue through existing diplomatic channels in order to stabilize bilateral relations.
The contacts between the two leaders were continued in 2025 as well when during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, they evaluated the progress in bilateral relations.
These events give a necessary background to the upcoming visit to New Delhi.
Border Issues Remain a Key Concern
Although improved communication has occurred, some problems still remain within the India-China relationship.
The Line of Actual Control is considered one of the most problematic aspects in relations between India and China. Efforts have been made by both sides not to let border tensions affect the entire relationship.
The 2024 Modi-Xi meeting has emphasized the need to keep peace and tranquility along the borders. Further diplomatic contacts will also center on handling differences and communication.
Thus, any meetings of the two leaders at the BRICS Summit 2026 may draw attention to the problems of border management.
But it would be wrong to think that one meeting will solve all problems connected with the boundaries of the two countries.
Trade and Economic Relations Could Also Be Important
Economic relations make up another major aspect of India-China ties.
China and India are some of Asia’s biggest economies and their economic ties have been quite prominent notwithstanding their political and security concerns. At the same time, India expressed certain worries about imbalances in their trade and economic ties.
According to recent media reports, one of the possible topics for discussion within the framework of India-China engagement may well be the strategic economic dialogue including but not limited to trade imbalances, market access, investments and visas.
In any case, enhanced economic dialogue would be of particular interest to business in both countries. Nevertheless, economic cooperation will proceed together with security and strategic interests.
The task of both governments will be to enlarge the scope of practical cooperation without letting unresolved disagreements undermine the overall picture.
Why India Is Hosting BRICS Summit 2026
India is set to be the chair of BRICS for 2026 and will host the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi.
The government of India has stated that practical cooperation and the priorities of the Global South are among the key aspects of the country’s BRICS chairship. Earlier during 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized issues like counter-terrorism, cyber security and new technologies in his comments regarding BRICS cooperation.
Additionally, India has hosted multiple meetings that involved BRICS diplomats and officials this year. The first BRICS Sherpas and Sous-Sherpas meeting chaired by India took place in New Delhi in February 2026.
Therefore, the summit is not just an assembly of heads of state. It is also an opportunity for India to influence the discussions related to global governance, economics, security, and priorities of developing nations.
What Could Come From the Modi-Xi Talks?
The precise agenda and outcome of the proposed bilateral meeting will depend on discussions between the two sides.
Several areas are likely to attract attention:
1. Border Stability
Maintaining peace and tranquility along the India-China border is expected to remain a central concern. Continued communication between military and diplomatic officials could help prevent local disputes from escalating.
2. Trade and Investment
The two governments could discuss ways to improve economic engagement while addressing concerns about market access, trade imbalances and investment.
3. People-to-People Connections
Travel, visas, direct connectivity and exchanges between citizens can influence the broader relationship. Improved communication in these areas could support greater contact between the two societies.
4. Global and Regional Issues
India and China frequently participate together in multilateral organizations, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Their positions do not always coincide, but cooperation on selected global issues could provide another channel for dialogue.
5. Strategic Communication
Regular high-level communication can help both governments understand each other’s priorities and reduce the risk of miscalculation.
A Potential Turning Point, But Expectations Should Remain Realistic
Modi and Xi meeting carries significance because it follows decades of tensions and in a period when both nations are showing an inclination to renew communications.
Nevertheless, the significance of a fresh start for India and China cannot yet be considered as it is too early.
There still are several aspects where both nations do not agree including territorial disagreements and lack of strategic confidence. Economic partnership does not go without conflicts of interests as well.
The more realistic significance of the meeting can lie in maintaining the positive momentum gained during previous Modi and Xi meetings.
China’s Foreign Ministry specifically mentioned the aspects of communication, cooperation and differences management. Indian officials in previous meetings paid attention to mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and stability of relations.
What the BRICS Summit 2026 Means for India-China Relations
The BRICS Summit 2026 gives India and China a valuable diplomatic platform at a time when their bilateral relationship is gradually stabilizing.
India wants BRICS to support practical cooperation and the interests of the Global South. China also sees BRICS as an important multilateral platform for cooperation among emerging economies.
The presence of Xi Jinping in New Delhi allows India and China to pursue their bilateral dialogue while participating in a wider international forum.
For New Delhi, the challenge will be to balance cooperation with China with India’s broader strategic interests and relationships with other major powers. For Beijing, rebuilding stable relations with India could help strengthen cooperation within BRICS and reduce tensions with a major Asian neighbor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the BRICS Summit 2026?
The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026. China has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will attend.
Will Narendra Modi meet Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit 2026?
China’s Foreign Ministry says China and India are arranging a bilateral meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi during Xi’s visit to India. The meeting is therefore being planned, but its final details and outcome should not be presented as confirmed until officially announced.
Why is Xi Jinping visiting India in 2026?
Xi Jinping is visiting India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
What are the main India-China issues?
Key issues include border management along the Line of Actual Control, economic and trade relations, investment, market access, connectivity, regional security and broader strategic relations.
Have Modi and Xi met before?
Yes. Modi and Xi have held several meetings at international and multilateral forums. Their October 2024 meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan was particularly important because it followed efforts to stabilize the border situation.
Conclusion
The proposed Modi-Xi meeting at the BRICS Summit 2026 is going to be a crucial milestone in the relations between India and China.
President Xi Jinping’s visit to New Delhi occurs as both nations try to preserve diplomacy and build upon signals of growing bilateral engagement. Among other things, the discussions may touch upon issues of border stability, trade, investments, connectivity and beyond.
The meeting should not be seen as a sign that all controversies between India and China have been sorted out. Rather, its significance is to be found in keeping the high-level dialogue alive and providing the two sides with opportunities to deal with their differences and explore areas of practical collaboration.
Hosting the BRICS in New Delhi, India is expected to closely examine the Modi-Xi interaction in order to read the further direction of one of the most significant bilateral relations in Asia.
