PM Modi, Xi Jinping hold bilateral talks during BRICS Summit; India-China border talks, economic stakes in focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are holding bilateral talks on the sidelines of the ongoing BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, marking Xi’s first visit to India in nearly seven years and the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.

The meeting is expected to offer fresh signals on the future course of India-China ties as the two countries seek to move beyond years of strained relations following the eastern Ladakh standoff. The leaders are expected to hold a media briefing to share the latest updates on the emerging relationship between the border partners. PM Modi is also expected to underline New Delhi's position that peace and tranquillity along the border remain critical to the broader development of ties.

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During the bilateral meeting PM Modi said, "I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India's BRICS chairmanship. We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation."

Xi left Beijing on Saturday morning to attend the BRICS Summit at PM Modi's invitation.

Ahead of the meeting, Beijing said the two sides should handle their differences properly and view bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective.

"China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning had said.

First India visit since Mamallapuram

Xi last visited India in 2019, when he travelled to Mamallapuram near Chennai for an informal summit with Modi.

His return comes after a prolonged freeze in relations following the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff, which sharply disrupted political and diplomatic engagement between the two Asian powers.

The visit follows renewed efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise ties and address outstanding issues along the boundary.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held extensive talks in Beijing last month on the boundary issue, maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and steps to improve bilateral relations. During the 25th round of Special Representatives' talks on August 25, the two sides reached an eight-point consensus and agreed to advance discussions on an early and substantial harvest of boundary delimitation and border management.

Against this backdrop, the Modi-Xi meeting is likely to be closely watched for indications on whether the recent diplomatic engagement can translate into a more durable normalisation of ties.

Also read: BRICS Declaration condemns Pahalgam terror attack, backs India's UNSC aspirations

Xi arrives with China's top leadership team

Xi's contingent includes Cai Qi, a close associate and member of the high-powered Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, as well as director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is also accompanying the President, according to Xinhua.

The high-level delegation underlines the importance Beijing is attaching to Xi Jinping's visit and the diplomatic engagements planned on the sidelines of the 2026 BRICS Summit.

Asked about the Modi-Xi meeting, Mao said the two leaders have met for three consecutive years, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.

The bilateral talks come at a time when both countries are also engaging more closely through multilateral platforms, including BRICS, even as their relationship remains shaped by boundary issues and strategic competition.

India hosts BRICS summit 2026 amid global conflicts

India, the current chair of BRICS, is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

The summit is being held against the backdrop of the US-Iran conflict and the continuing Ukraine-Russia war, with major geopolitical and security issues expected to feature prominently in discussions among leaders.

China’s Mao described BRICS as a key platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.

Xi will attend and address the summit and hold in-depth exchanges with other leaders on issues including the international situation, the development of BRICS mechanisms and deepening practical cooperation, she said.

"We are committed to promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue," Mao said, adding that China looked forward to working with other BRICS countries to promote dialogue and negotiation and safeguard regional and global peace and stability.

Also read: India-China trade: The numbers behind the relationship as Xi visits Delhi

India to hand BRICS chair to China after summit

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS grouping has expanded significantly in recent years. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia joined in 2024, followed by Indonesia in 2025.

Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam became BRICS partner countries last year.

India, a founding member, has previously held the BRICS chairship in 2012, 2016 and 2021. It assumed its fourth chairmanship on January 1 this year.

Following the summit in New Delhi, China will take over the rotating BRICS chair.

Modi-Xi meeting: Things to know about the India-China relationship

India-China border ties in focus: The 2020 clash in eastern Ladakh transformed bilateral ties between the bordering nations. While disengagement and new arrangements have helped stabilise the situation in the region, the underlying boundary dispute still remains unresolved.

Trade grows, but imbalance widens: China stands as India's largest trading partner, but the relationship remains heavily tilted towards Beijing. India's imports from China exceed its exports, making trade balance and market access as key issues for New Delhi.

Confidence-building measures: Since 2024, the two countries have moved to restore high-level contacts, ease visas, revive border-related exchanges and resume direct flights after more than five years.