With just two days left before the BRICS Summit 2026 begins in New Delhi, uncertainty continues over Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to India. The Xi Jinping India Visit BRICS Summit question has attracted major attention because his possible arrival would mark his first trip to India in seven years."India is scheduled to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The official Indian government information says the summit will bring together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees. India’s BRICS 2026 theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Xi Jinping India Visit 2026: What Is the Latest?The latest reports indicate that Beijing has still not issued a formal public confirmation of Xi Jinping’s travel plans. Reuters reported on September 10 that his visit is anticipated, but details of his final travel plans and any bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi remain important points of interest. At the same time, Indian media reports have indicated that Xi is expected to attend the summit and could hold a bilateral meeting with Modi. If confirmed, the meeting would be closely watched for discussions on India-China relations, the border situation, trade and economic cooperation. Why Xi’s Visit MattersThe Xi Jinping BRICS Summit 2026 visit would be significant because India-China relations have been affected by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the military tensions that followed along the Line of Actual Control.Relations have gradually improved since the two countries reached a disengagement arrangement in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited China last year, while both sides have increased diplomatic engagement. However, a trust deficit remains, particularly over border issues, investment restrictions, technology and business access. Trade and Economic RelationsEconomic ties remain an important part of the China India BRICS Summit backdrop. Bilateral trade reached a record 5 billion in 2025, according to Chinese customs data, while trade during the first seven months of 2026 also increased significantly. However, businesses continue to face regulatory and investment-related challenges.A meeting between Xi and Modi at the BRICS Summit India could therefore provide an opportunity to discuss ways to improve economic cooperation while managing strategic disagreements.What Happens Next?The next 48 hours will be crucial for Xi Jinping India visit confirmation. If Xi attends, it would give the summit additional diplomatic importance and provide India and China an opportunity to demonstrate engagement despite unresolved differences.For India, the visit could also strengthen the BRICS platform as New Delhi seeks greater cooperation on global governance, trade, energy security and other international issues.Also Read : BRICS Summit 2026: PM Modi to Meet Putin, Su-57 Deal on Agenda; Date, Schedule, Venue
