- Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month for the BRICS summit, a report said
- This will be Xi's first visit to India in seven years, signaling possible easing of bilateral tensions
- Xi may be accompanied by around 400 officials, more than twice the number in his 2019 India visit
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to India next month for the BRICS summit in New Delhi, his first visit to the country in seven years, in a possible sign of easing tensions between the two Asian powers, Reuters reported, citing sources.
India will host the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13. Xi's expected presence is likely to attract attention beyond the grouping's agenda, particularly for what it could indicate about efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise relations following the deadly 2020 border clashes.
The report, citing three Indian sources, said Chinese officials were finalising hotel arrangements and security protocols for Xi's visit.
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The persons reportedly added that he could be accompanied by around 400 officials, significantly higher than the fewer than 200 officials who travelled with him during his previous India visit in 2019.
The final details of Xi's travel and the possibility of a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were yet to be settled, the report added.
China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches great importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India in successfully hosting the summit, but added that it had no information to share on Xi's possible visit.
India and China have been gradually rebuilding engagement since reaching a military disengagement agreement in October 2024, following a prolonged standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.
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National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is currently in Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the boundary issue.
With both countries also facing pressure from US trade policies, Xi's participation could reinforce their shared interest in strengthening BRICS while managing persistent strategic differences.
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