BRICS Summit 2026: PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping Likely To Hold Bilateral Meeting in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking their first face-to-face talks in India since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes that severely strained relations between the two countries. The meeting is expected to take place on September 12 during the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, which India is hosting in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Xi's visit will also mark his first trip to India in seven years, India Today reported.

First Meeting in India Since Galwan Clashes

Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply following the June 2020 clashes in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley, in which 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed. PM Narendra Modi Shakes Hands With Xi Jinping, Shares Warm Exchange With Vladimir Putin; Shehbaz Sharif Stands Quietly (Video).

The two countries have since taken gradual steps to stabilise ties through diplomatic and military-level engagements. Modi and Xi have met on the sidelines of international summits in recent years, but the proposed BRICS meeting would be their first substantive bilateral engagement in India since the Galwan clashes.

Border Situation, Trade Likely to Be Discussed

The proposed talks are expected to focus on the overall state of India-China relations, including the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), efforts to maintain peace in border areas, and ways to improve bilateral engagement. Trade and economic issues are also likely to figure in the discussions. India and China have recently held talks aimed at addressing concerns related to market access, investment restrictions and the supply of high-technology equipment. BRICS Summit Will Test India's Diplomatic Mettle in More Ways Than One: ORF VP Harsh Pant.

Diplomatic Thaw Continues

The proposed meeting comes amid cautious efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to improve relations after years of tensions. Modi and Xi briefly greeted each other at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek earlier this month, although no formal bilateral meeting was held there.

Xi's expected visit and the proposed Modi-Xi meeting are being closely watched as both countries seek to manage long-standing differences while exploring areas of cooperation.

BRICS Summit to Begin on September 12

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with discussions expected to cover global governance, trade, investment, technology, energy security and other international issues. The Modi-Xi meeting, if held as planned, could provide an important opportunity for both leaders to review recent developments in bilateral ties and discuss the way forward in managing differences between Asia's two largest economies.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2026 11:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).