Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the first time in nearly seven years, marking his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi. The anticipated encounter between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to draw considerable attention, as both nations continue efforts to stabilize relations after years marked by tension and conflict.
Relations between India and China hit a low following the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, where the deadly Galwan Valley clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. However, ties began to improve after the two countries reached a disengagement agreement at Depsang and Demchok in October 2024. This led to a meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, where they agreed to work on mechanisms for resolving border disputes and rebuilding bilateral relations.
Since then, India and China have resumed direct flights, revived the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and continued diplomatic and military dialogues aimed at maintaining peace along the border. In August, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi achieved an eight-point consensus that includes additional military meeting points, new hotline channels, and the reopening of three designated border trading points. The two countries also conducted a corps commander-level meeting in the eastern sector on September 6.
India maintains that peace and tranquillity along the border are crucial for fully normalizing relations with China. Therefore, the discussions between Xi and Modi are expected to reveal the extent to which both sides are willing to advance stabilization efforts while addressing unresolved boundary issues.
The BRICS summit will also see global leaders discuss pressing political and economic topics, including international conflicts, economic cooperation, and reforms to multilateral institutions. This gathering provides a platform for India and China to engage in dialogue alongside other member nations, potentially fostering further cooperation and understanding in the region.