Zillar Barta Desk,New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India on Saturday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India in New Delhi. His visit marks his first trip to India in seven years and comes at a significant juncture in India-China relations.
Xi's visit follows a gradual improvement in bilateral ties after relations deteriorated sharply following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Since then, both countries have taken steps to ease tensions, including disengagement along disputed border areas and the gradual restoration of direct flights and other exchanges.
A highly anticipated bilateral meeting between Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. China's Foreign Ministry has said Beijing wants to strengthen communication and cooperation with India while properly managing differences.
The Modi-Xi meeting is being closely watched internationally, particularly over issues including border stability, trade, investment and broader strategic cooperation. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the changing global geopolitical landscape and the future direction of India-China relations.
Xi's presence at the summit is also important for BRICS, as China is set to assume the group's chairmanship in 2027. The Chinese president is expected to present Beijing's priorities for strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries and the wider Global South.
The 18th BRICS Summit brings together leaders from the expanded grouping at a time of major geopolitical and economic challenges. For India, Xi's visit provides an important opportunity to advance dialogue with China while continuing to protect its strategic and economic interests.
