India is preparing to host a major global diplomatic event this September as the BRICS Summit 2026 is scheduled to take place in New Delhi. On September 12 and 13, the national capital will likely witness the presence of two of the world's most powerful leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to sources, both Russia and China have already informed New Delhi about the participation of their respective heads of state. This visit is considered highly significant as it could mark the first time in nearly 7 years that President Xi Jinping sets foot on Indian soil.
Putin and Xi Jinping to Hold Bilateral Meeting
The Russian state news agency TASS has officially confirmed President Putin's visit to India for the upcoming summit. Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin's advisor on international affairs, stated that President Putin will participate in the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. In a major diplomatic development, Ushakov also mentioned that a bilateral meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping has been scheduled during the summit. This will be Putin's second visit to India within a single year, highlighting the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Previous Diplomatic Engagements
President Putin last visited India in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. The diplomatic momentum has continued into 2026, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visiting India earlier this month to participate in a two-day conference of BRICS member nations in New Delhi. Before the main BRICS Summit in September, another important international meeting is scheduled. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on August 31 and September 1. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are expected to attend the SCO meeting before heading to the BRICS gathering in India.
Xi Jinping's Return to India After 7 Years
The potential visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping is being viewed as a major milestone in regional diplomacy. If he attends the summit in New Delhi, it will be his first visit to India in approximately 7 years. His last visit to the country was in 2019 when he traveled to Mamallapuram in Chennai for an informal summit. India holds the presidency of BRICS for the year 2026 and is fully prepared to host the annual summit in September, which brings together a diverse group of emerging economies.
The Growing Influence of BRICS
BRICS has evolved into a powerful bloc of 11 rapidly growing nations, with India playing a central role. Originally consisting of 5 countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the group expanded Notably in 2024 with the addition of 4 new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In 2025, Indonesia also joined the group, further increasing its global footprint.
The upcoming summit in New Delhi will provide a platform for these nations to discuss economic cooperation, security, and global governance, with the presence of Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping adding immense weight to the proceedings.