BRICS Summit 2026: Xi Jinping and Putin to Visit India

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing two of India's most important strategic partners to the capital at the same time.

China's Foreign Ministry confirmed Xi's India visit on Thursday, two days after Russia confirmed Putin's participation. Xi's visit will be his first to India since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which sharply strained relations between New Delhi and Beijing.

The BRICS summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam on September 12 and 13, with leaders of the group's 11 member countries expected to participate.

Xi Jinping's First India Visit Since Galwan

Xi last visited India in October 2019, when he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Relations deteriorated significantly after the violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.

Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the clash. China later acknowledged that four of its soldiers had also died.

The confrontation triggered a prolonged military and diplomatic standoff along the Line of Actual Control.

Modi-Xi Bilateral Meeting Expected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

Although the two leaders have met at international gatherings since the Galwan clash, Xi's visit to India would carry greater diplomatic significance because it marks his return to the country after several years.

Both sides have recently increased diplomatic engagement as they seek to stabilise bilateral ties and manage outstanding differences.

India-China Border Issue Remains Key

The border dispute is expected to remain an important issue in the broader India-China relationship.

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval travelled to China on August 24, where he held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on August 25.

The talks covered the boundary question and other bilateral matters, reflecting ongoing efforts by both sides to prevent tensions along the border from disrupting the wider relationship.

A potential Modi-Xi meeting in New Delhi could provide another opportunity to discuss the progress made in stabilising ties.

Trade Imbalance Also on Agenda

Beyond the border, trade and economic relations are another major area of concern for India.

New Delhi has been seeking to address its substantial trade deficit with China while encouraging a more balanced economic relationship.

India is also attempting to reduce vulnerabilities linked to imports of critical products, including rare-earth magnets and electronic components.

These issues could feature in discussions between the two countries as both sides work towards improving economic engagement.

Putin Also Arriving in Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also scheduled to attend the summit.

His presence provides an opportunity for India and Russia to discuss their longstanding strategic partnership. A bilateral meeting between Putin and Modi is expected during his visit, with defence cooperation and other strategic matters likely to feature in the discussions.

Putin's participation alongside Xi also gives the New Delhi summit added geopolitical importance.

India Holds BRICS Chair

India is hosting the summit as the 2026 BRICS chair.

The expanded BRICS grouping includes India, Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE and Indonesia, along with its wider partner-country outreach.

Throughout the year, India has hosted ministerial meetings, official-level discussions and other BRICS-related events in different cities.

Global South and Economic Cooperation

Under its chairship, India has placed emphasis on strengthening the voice of the Global South, economic cooperation, energy security, digital technology, counter-terrorism and resilient supply chains.

New Delhi is also seeking to position BRICS as a platform for trade, investment and development cooperation rather than limiting its role to geopolitical discussions.

The simultaneous presence of Xi and Putin at the summit will therefore provide India with an important diplomatic opportunity to engage with two major powers while advancing its priorities for the expanded BRICS grouping.