India
oi-Swastika Sruti
BRICS Summit is set to take place today(Sep 12) in Delhi starting at 10 am. President Xi Jinping of China arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of Saturday, for the 18th BRICS Summit which is going to be his first visit to India in more than six years.
The 18th BRICS Summit begins in Delhi on September 12, with China’s President Xi Jinping attending, marking his first visit to India in over six years. President Xi is scheduled to meet PM Narendra Modi to discuss stabilizing bilateral relations, border management, and trade.
The timing of Xi’s visit is highly significant as India and China are striving to stabilize their relations after years of military standoff along the LAC.
Also, the visit will see President Xi Jinping meet with Indian PM Narendra Modi in a much anticipated bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
Xi In ndia
Xi’s visit is being closely watched because it comes at a sensitive stage in India-China relations. The two countries have been trying to stabilise ties after years of military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), while differences over the border, trade and strategic issues continue.
Xi is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 5:45 PM at Bharat Mandapam on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting is expected to focus on the next steps in improving bilateral ties, including the border situation and wider economic engagement.
But Xi has not arrived in Delhi alone. Two of China’s most senior officials are accompanying him – Cai Qi and Wang Yi.
Who Are Cai Qi and Wang Yi?
Cai Qi is a member of the powerful Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China and heads the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.
He is considered one of the closest political aides to Xi Jinping and plays an important role in the Chinese leadership.
The second key official travelling with Xi is Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Wang is already a familiar figure in India-China diplomacy. He has been directly involved in discussions between New Delhi and Beijing on bilateral relations and the boundary question.
The presence of both officials gives Xi’s India visit added diplomatic significance, particularly at a time when the two countries are attempting to move their relationship towards greater stability.
Xi-Modi Meeting: What Will Be Discussed?
The meeting between Xi and Modi will, no doubt, touch upon some of the more contentious areas in India-China ties.
China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi.
This will be the third year in a row for the two leaders to meet with each other, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.
China will work with India to act on the… pic.twitter.com/jD3GeZpjZk
— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) September 11, 2026
Management of the Line of Actual Control is one of the possible items for discussion. Despite disengagement moves by both nations, a substantial military force of China and India remains stationed along their almost 3,500 km long Himalayan border.
Trade and economic issues are another crucial area. There have been several problems highlighted by India such as an unequal trade balance and market restrictions for businesspeople and investors.
Ahead of Xi’s flight to India, Beijing said that it is ready to exchange work with India by strengthening communication, surging cooperation and managing differences.
First India Visit Since 2019
It must be noted that Xi’s last visit to India was in 2019, when he travelled to Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, for an informal summit with PM Modi.
His return to New Delhi therefore carries considerable diplomatic significance. It comes after the serious India-China military confrontation in eastern Ladakh and the subsequent efforts by both countries to stabilise their relationship.
The two leaders have met since then at international forums, including the BRICS and SCO platforms, but Xi’s physical return to India marks a notable step in bilateral engagement.
Massive Security Cover Around Xi’s Hotel
Xi’s visit has also triggered an unusually elaborate security operation in the national capital. Authorities have imposed temporary no-fly restrictions over the hotel where the Chinese president is staying.
Security teams are also carrying out detailed checks for possible Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. The security arrangements include specialised teams, extensive route planning and checks around the hotel and areas connected to Xi’s movement.
The measures are aimed at protecting the Chinese leader from possible threats, including lone-wolf attacks and demonstrations.
Xi is expected to spend around 24 hours in Delhi during the BRICS Summit. He will attend the summit at Bharat Mandapam, where leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping are gathering for discussions on global economic and geopolitical issues.
His bilateral meeting with Modi will be among the most closely watched engagements of the summit.
