Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, putting India-China relations and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagement with major global powers firmly in focus. Xi’s visit is his first trip to India since 2019 and comes at a critical moment as New Delhi hosts leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping amid geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and conflicts affecting global trade and energy security.
Xi Jinping’s Delhi Visit Marks Major Diplomatic Moment
Xi received a ceremonial welcome after landing in the national capital, with traditional Indian cultural performances adding a symbolic touch to his arrival. His presence at the summit is being closely watched because India and China have been attempting a cautious improvement in bilateral relations following the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The Chinese president’s visit also creates an important opportunity for direct engagement with Modi. The two leaders are expected to meet on the sidelines of the summit, with the talks likely to attract significant international attention. China has signalled that it wants to view relations with India from a long-term strategic perspective while managing differences through dialogue.
For New Delhi, the engagement comes against the backdrop of unresolved strategic and economic issues between the two Asian powers. While military and diplomatic contacts have gradually improved, the border question and broader economic concerns remain important challenges.
BRICS Summit Opens Amid Global Geopolitical Tensions
India is hosting the two-day BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The expanded grouping includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
The summit is taking place at a particularly sensitive time for the global economy. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and the war involving Iran have created uncertainty across energy markets, trade routes and international transport. The disruption caused by these conflicts is expected to feature prominently in discussions among BRICS leaders.
The summit provides India with an important platform to promote greater cooperation among emerging economies while advancing its broader diplomatic priorities. New Delhi has sought to position BRICS as a constructive platform for cooperation rather than simply an instrument of geopolitical confrontation.
Modi-Putin Talks Strengthen India-Russia Partnership
Before Xi’s arrival, Modi held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding India-Russia strategic partnership, with cooperation spanning trade, defence, energy, infrastructure, space and other areas.
The two leaders also reviewed developments in the wider geopolitical environment, including conflicts affecting maritime trade and the security of Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential to resolving conflicts and said New Delhi was prepared to contribute to peace efforts.
Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, an invitation that the Prime Minister accepted. The date for the next annual summit will be determined through diplomatic channels.
The Modi-Putin engagement underlines the importance India continues to attach to its relationship with Moscow despite changing global alliances and Western pressure on Russia.
BRICS Focus Shifts Towards Trade, Energy and Global Stability
Economic cooperation is expected to remain at the heart of the BRICS agenda. Leaders are likely to discuss ways to strengthen trade, investment, energy security and supply-chain resilience while expanding cooperation among member states.
PM Modi has also highlighted the growing economic weight of BRICS. The grouping now represents around half of the world’s population, about 40% of global GDP and more than a quarter of international trade, underscoring its expanding significance in the global economic system.
India has been pushing for fewer trade barriers and greater opportunities for businesses across BRICS economies. Such initiatives could become increasingly important as global commerce faces disruptions from geopolitical conflicts, tariff disputes and shifting supply chains.
Delhi Under Tight Security During Summit
With several world leaders arriving in the capital, Delhi has introduced temporary traffic restrictions around key areas during the movement of dignitaries. Authorities have advised residents to check traffic advisories, allow additional travel time and use the Metro wherever convenient.
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The security and logistical arrangements reflect the scale of the summit, which has brought together leaders representing a significant share of the global population and economy.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
The BRICS Summit presents Modi with an opportunity to engage simultaneously with Russia, China, Iran and other major emerging economies while maintaining India’s broader strategic partnerships with the United States, Europe and other countries.
Xi’s arrival adds particular significance to the summit because India-China relations remain one of the most closely watched elements of the gathering. If the Modi-Xi engagement produces progress on bilateral ties, it could provide fresh momentum to efforts aimed at stabilising relations between the two Asian powers.
At the same time, the presence of Putin and other BRICS leaders gives India an opportunity to reinforce its position as an independent diplomatic actor. The summit therefore carries significance well beyond BRICS itself, as New Delhi seeks to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies while navigating an increasingly fragmented global order.
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