New Delhi, 11 Sep (Desk)
China has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will visit New Delhi on September 12 and 13 to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, putting an end to days of speculation over his participation. The visit will be Xi’s first trip to India in seven years.
The confirmation came from China’s Foreign Ministry after Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Xi Jinping to attend the summit. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun had declined to provide a clear confirmation regarding Xi’s travel plans.
Xi’s visit carries considerable diplomatic importance as India hosts the BRICS summit. His meeting with Prime Minister Modi could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss India-China bilateral relations, border issues and broader regional and international developments.
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Why Xi Jinping’s India Visit Is Significant
India-China relations suffered a major setback following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. China also suffered casualties, although Beijing did not disclose an exact figure.
Since then, both countries have engaged in sustained diplomatic and military-level discussions aimed at reducing tensions along the border. In recent years, there have been signs of gradual improvement, including renewed high-level dialogue, the resumption of some direct air links and progress on border-related arrangements.
Xi’s visit could give Modi and Xi an important platform to review these developments, discuss unresolved issues and explore ways to further stabilize bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping’s Previous Visits to India
Xi Jinping has visited India several times during his presidency. His first major visit came in September 2014, during the early years of both Xi and Modi’s leadership.
He returned to India in October 2016 to attend the BRICS Summit in Goa.
Xi’s most recent visit was in October 2019, when he met Prime Minister Modi for an informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai.
The upcoming visit will therefore mark Xi Jinping’s return to India after seven years, making it a closely watched diplomatic event.
Key Takeaways
- Xi Jinping to visit India: September 12–13
- Venue: New Delhi
- Event: 18th BRICS Summit
- Expected focus: India-China ties, border issues and regional developments
- First India visit by Xi in seven years
- Last visit: October 2019, Mamallapuram
- Previous BRICS visit: Goa, 2016
