Xi Jinping Arrives in Delhi for BRICS Summit, First India Visit in Seven Years

Chinese President Xi Jinping landed in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the BRICS summit and hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first trip to India in seven years. The visit comes as the two nations work to cautiously rebuild relations that were strained following a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border in 2020, which killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.

Xi-Modi Meeting Set for Saturday Evening

Xi received a ceremonial welcome upon arrival, including a red carpet reception and a traditional dance performance. He is scheduled to meet Modi later Saturday evening, their third meeting in three years. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said Beijing is willing to manage differences with India and build a relationship based on long-term strategic cooperation and mutual support.

Summit Held Amid Global Tensions

The BRICS summit, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE, is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing global tensions, including the U.S. Israeli conflict with Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war, both of which have disrupted international energy, trade and transport networks.