The 18th BRICS Summit 2026 has officially commenced in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in international diplomacy as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in the Indian capital on Saturday. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time in approximately seven years that the Chinese leader has set foot on Indian soil. The global community is closely monitoring the developments in New Delhi, especially the anticipated interaction between President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The arrival of the Chinese President is seen by many diplomatic observers as a potential signal for a new beginning in the complex and often strained India-China relations.
Grand Welcome at Palam Airport
President Xi Jinping's aircraft touched down at New Delhi's Palam Airport at approximately 12 PM on Saturday. Upon his arrival, he was accorded a grand and formal welcome, reflecting the diplomatic significance of the visit, while representing the Government of India, Union Minister Jitin Prasad was present at the airport to receive the Chinese leader. The reception at the airport underscores the formal protocol being followed for the BRICS Summit, which has brought together several world leaders to the Indian capital. While other prominent leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, had arrived in Delhi on Friday, the arrival of President Xi on Saturday morning was the final major arrival before the core summit proceedings began.
Anticipated Bilateral Meeting with PM Modi
The highlight of President Xi's visit is the scheduled bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is expected to take place on Saturday evening on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. This meeting is considered highly critical given the prolonged period of tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The world is watching this interaction closely, as it provides a rare opportunity for the top leadership of both nations to engage directly on pressing issues. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of topics, including the long-standing border disputes and efforts to normalize bilateral relations that have been at a low point for several years.
Diplomatic Signals from China
In the hours leading up to President Xi's arrival, China sent out positive diplomatic signals regarding its intentions for the visit. The Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, shared a significant post on social media, emphasizing the need to resolve differences and foster mutual cooperation. The Ambassador indicated that Beijing is prepared to work closely with New Delhi under the strategic guidance of both President Xi and Prime Minister Modi. He noted that this would be the third consecutive year the two leaders have met, following previous interactions in Kazan and Tianjin. The Chinese side expressed a desire to handle bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, promoting communication and enhancing cooperation to become partners who assist in each other's success.
Historical Context and the 2020 Galwan Clash
The significance of this visit is rooted in the historical context of the last few years. President Xi Jinping last visited India in October 2019 for the second India-China informal summit held in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. However, just six months after that visit, relations took a sharp downturn following a military standoff in eastern Ladakh that lasted for over four years. The most violent point of this tension occurred in June 2020 in the Galwan Valley, where a fierce clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. China also acknowledged casualties on its side, though it claimed the numbers were lower than India's. This incident led to a significant freeze in relations, with India imposing strict measures on Chinese investments, banning numerous Chinese apps, and increasing security clearances for China-linked businesses.
Agenda for the Modi-Xi Talks
The upcoming talks between Modi and Xi will serve as a platform to assess the progress made toward normalizing ties. Key issues on the agenda include the persistent border disputes and the impact of these tensions on the overall relationship. India has consistently maintained that the state of the border will determine the overall direction of the bilateral relationship. Also, India has specific concerns regarding visa restrictions imposed by China on Indian traders and the restrictions on the export of key technologies and equipment. On the other hand, Beijing has often suggested that the border issue should be kept separate from the broader development of bilateral relations.
Concerns Over the Brahmaputra Dam
Another major point of contention that may surface during the discussions is China's proposed 137 billion dollar mega-dam project on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River on the Tibetan Plateau. India has expressed deep concerns regarding this project, especially in light of recent environmental disasters like the glacier collapse in Nepal. New Delhi has been demanding greater transparency and information sharing from Beijing regarding this massive infrastructure project, fearing its impact on water security and environmental stability in the downstream regions. On top of that, the visit takes place against the backdrop of reports of renewed tensions between Indian and Chinese troops in Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh, adding another layer of complexity to the high-level talks.