Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit New Delhi next month to attend the BRICS summit, according to a Reuters report citing Indian officials familiar with preparations.
If confirmed, Xi could visit India on September 12 and 13, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. A Chinese delegation of around 400 officials is also expected to accompany him, according to the report.
The proposed delegation would be significantly larger than the one that travelled with Xi during his previous India visit in 2019, when fewer than 200 Chinese officials accompanied him.
Xi Jinping India visit plans not final yet
Indian officials said Chinese authorities have started preparations related to accommodation and security arrangements. However, Xi’s travel plans have not been officially confirmed yet.
It is also not clear whether Xi will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his proposed visit.
China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India’s efforts as the current chair of the grouping. However, it did not provide confirmation about Xi’s possible India visit.
India-China ties show signs of improvement
The reported visit comes as India and China continue efforts to improve relations after years of tension along their disputed border.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is currently in Beijing for talks related to the boundary issue. He also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, with discussions focusing on maintaining peace along the border and strengthening bilateral relations.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated sharply after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Tensions began easing after a disengagement agreement in October 2024, followed by renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing.
