Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the first time in nearly seven years, attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. This highly anticipated visit is expected to include a significant meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid efforts by both nations to stabilize their relationship following years of heightened tensions. The diplomatic friction was largely exacerbated by the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, notably marked by the Galwan Valley clash that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.
The bilateral relations between India and China began to see a thaw following an October 2024 agreement on disengagement at the contentious Depsang and Demchok regions. This led to a meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, where both leaders committed to reviving mechanisms for addressing the border dispute and rebuilding ties. Since these developments, the two countries have resumed direct flights, revitalized the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and continued engaging in diplomatic and military dialogues aimed at maintaining peace along the border.
In a significant step forward, August saw an eight-point consensus reached between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This agreement encompasses additional military meeting points, new hotline channels, and the reopening of three designated border trading points. A corps commander-level meeting was also held in the eastern sector on September 6, underscoring ongoing efforts to maintain dialogue and peace.
Despite these positive developments, India maintains that achieving peace and tranquility along the border is crucial for fully normalizing relations with China. The discussions between Xi and Modi during the BRICS Summit are expected to signal the extent to which both sides are willing to advance the stabilization process while addressing the unresolved boundary dispute.
The BRICS Summit will also serve as a platform for leaders to deliberate on pressing global political and economic issues. Topics of discussion are expected to include conflicts, economic cooperation, and reforms to multilateral institutions, reflecting the broader agenda of the summit beyond bilateral concerns.