New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in New Delhi, potentially making his first visit to India in seven years and signalling a possible improvement in ties between the two Asian neighbours, according to three sources cited by Reuters.

India will host the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, with Xi’s possible presence expected to attract attention beyond the group’s agenda.

Xi may arrive with a large delegation

According to the sources, Chinese officials are reportedly working on arrangements including hotels and security protocols ahead of the summit.

Two Indian sources told Reuters that Xi could be accompanied by a delegation of around 400 officials, significantly larger than the fewer than 200 officials who accompanied him during his previous visit in 2019.

However, Xi’s final travel plans and details of any possible bilateral meeting with Indian leaders have not yet been confirmed.

India-China ties remain closely watched

Xi’s potential visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by India and China to stabilise relations following the deadly border clashes of 2020.

Twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed during the clashes, which resulted in a prolonged military standoff along the disputed Himalayan border.

The two countries reached a disengagement agreement in October 2024, but tensions have continued over the border.

India said earlier this month that maintaining peace along the border remains important for the broader relationship.

Boundary talks continue

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval has also travelled to Beijing for talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with the boundary issue expected to remain an important part of discussions.

Both countries are looking at ways to expand engagement while managing differences over the border and wider regional security issues, according to the Reuters report.

China’s Foreign Ministry said Beijing attaches importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India in successfully hosting the summit, but said it had no information to provide about Xi’s possible visit.

A possible sign of improving relations

Xi’s attendance could carry particular significance because it would come after a period of strained India-China relations.

The two countries remain strategic competitors, but their shared interest in strengthening BRICS cooperation could provide an avenue for greater engagement.

If confirmed, Xi’s visit would offer an important opportunity for both sides to assess the progress made since the 2020 border crisis and explore whether relations can move towards greater stability.