Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit New Delhi for the BRICS summit on September 12-13, marking his first trip to India since 2019. This visit aims to manage a delicate detente between China and India, with a likely meeting between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines. The anticipated bilateral talks would be their first face-to-face interaction since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, signaling a potential diplomatic thaw after years of military tensions.
While the visit is seen as crucial for normalizing relations, significant hurdles remain, particularly in business ties. Analysts note that investments are stalled by regulations, visa delays, and restrictions on industrial equipment. Despite these challenges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Xi's participation, emphasizing the importance of stabilizing relations rather than a major realignment.
The trade relationship between the two nations is a key agenda item. In the first half of the year, two-way bilateral trade increased to $91.72 billion, a 23.6% rise from the previous year, and is on track to surpass the record $155.62 billion from 2025. However, India remains concerned about the widening trade deficit, which reached $67.1 billion in the first half of the year, projected to exceed last year's record of $116.12 billion. India's exports to China have also grown by 37.2% to $12.31 billion, including an increase in Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
Xi will be accompanied by a large delegation, including Politburo member and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. Wang Wentao is expected to meet with his Indian counterpart, Piyush Goyal, to discuss trade concerns. India seeks an easing of export controls, while China desires further relaxation of investment restrictions. The visit provides a valuable opportunity to deepen cooperation on issues ranging from trade and connectivity to climate action, public health, and the digital economy, contributing to a more balanced global order.
Beyond bilateral relations, the BRICS summit in India will also focus on broader geopolitical issues, including efforts to secure agreement on the Middle East amidst the Iran war, which tests the bloc's unity. The summit will also feature scheduled talks between Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, further highlighting the diplomatic significance of the gathering.
