Xi Jinping May Visit India for BRICS Summit 2026, Marking First Trip in Seven Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month for the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, potentially marking his first visit to the country in seven years.

The BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place on September 12 and 13. According to people familiar with the matter, Xi is expected to travel to India with a large Chinese delegation.

The potential visit comes as India and China continue efforts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties following years of tensions triggered by the 2020 Galwan Valley border clashes.

A source familiar with the preparations said Chinese officials are working on arrangements including hotels and security protocols ahead of Xi's possible visit.

NSA Ajit Doval Holds Talks in China

The developments come as India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is visiting China for a meeting of special representatives focused on the long-running India-China boundary dispute.

Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng ahead of discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. China's Foreign Ministry said the two sides would hold an in-depth discussion on the boundary question and other matters of mutual interest.

India-China Relations Show Signs of Improvement

The expected visit by Xi, Doval's diplomatic engagement and recent high-level talks reflect efforts by both countries to ease tensions and strengthen bilateral relations.

India and China have also taken steps toward restoring economic and people-to-people links, including the resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Beijing and the return of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited China for the SCO Summit in Tianjin in 2025, his first visit to the country in seven years. During the visit, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping and stressed the importance of building relations based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity.

If Xi's India visit goes ahead, the BRICS Summit could provide a significant opportunity for the two leaders to further discuss bilateral ties, border stability, trade and regional cooperation.