Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the BRICS summit in India, marking his first trip to the country since 2019 and the first since relations between China and India deteriorated following deadly border clashes in 2020 [1]. The meeting between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be a pivotal moment, with the disputed Himalayan border remaining a central issue, even as both countries have resumed flights, border trade, and people-to-people exchanges [1].
Beijing confirmed Xi's attendance at the summit, and analysts such as Vrinda Sahai from Carnegie India described the event as a 'crucial moment' and a significant opportunity for a substantive bilateral meeting between the two leaders [1]. The summit follows Modi's visit to China last year for the SCO summit, although longstanding border disputes and trade imbalances continue to be sticking points [1].
Recent developments indicate a thaw in relations: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met in August and expressed satisfaction at the resumption of cross-border exchanges, including border trade and pilgrimages through Himalayan passes [1]. India and China have also resumed direct flights, and New Delhi has relaxed rules around Chinese investment in India [1].
Chietigj Bajpaee, senior research fellow for South Asia at Chatham House, noted that the Modi-Xi meeting is likely to further advance the ongoing reset in bilateral relations and build confidence, referencing notable progress made during the August meeting between the two countries' officials [1]. New Delhi's rapprochement with China comes as its relations with the second Trump administration have been strained over trade and tariffs, prompting India to invest in other international relationships [1].
CONCLUSION
Xi Jinping's attendance at the BRICS summit in India and his meeting with Prime Minister Modi mark a significant step in the ongoing thaw of China-India relations. While border disputes and trade imbalances remain unresolved, recent diplomatic engagements and resumed exchanges signal cautious optimism for further progress.