Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the first time in almost seven years, as he attends the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. His meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to be a focal point, as the two leaders aim to stabilize relations between their countries following a period of heightened tensions.
The relationship between India and China hit a low point after the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, notably the deadly Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. This incident severely strained bilateral ties. However, progress has been made since the two nations reached an agreement in October 2024 to disengage at strategic points in Depsang and Demchok. Modi and Xi’s previous encounter at the BRICS summit in Kazan laid the groundwork for reviving dialogue mechanisms to address their border disputes and mend relations.
Since this agreement, there have been significant developments aimed at normalizing ties between the two countries. Direct flights have resumed, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been revived, and both diplomatic and military discussions have continued to ensure peace along the border. In August, a critical development occurred when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reached an eight-point consensus. This agreement included additional military meeting points, the establishment of new hotline channels, and the reopening of three designated border trading points. A corps commander-level meeting in the eastern sector further underscored these efforts on September 6.
Despite these advances, India maintains that peace and tranquility along the border are crucial for a complete normalization of relations. Therefore, the discussions between Xi and Modi during the BRICS summit are expected to shed light on the commitment of both sides to further the stabilization process, particularly in addressing the unresolved boundary issues.
Alongside bilateral talks, the BRICS summit will serve as a platform for global leaders to deliberate on pressing international political and economic challenges. Discussions are expected to encompass conflicts, economic cooperation, and potential reforms to multilateral institutions, reflecting the broader objectives of the summit.