PM Modi Meets Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit, Calls for Stronger India-China Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Welcoming the Chinese leader to India, PM Modi expressed appreciation for Beijing's backing throughout India's BRICS presidency and underscored the importance of advancing mutual engagement between the two neighboring nations.

"I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India's BRICS chairmanship," Prime Minister Modi said during the opening remarks of the meeting. "We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. Once again, a warm welcome to India." Warm Handshakes, Global Bonhomie: PM Modi Shares Moments With Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping As 18th BRICS Summit Begins.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Regional Cooperation

The high-level bilateral interaction provided a platform for both leaders to discuss critical aspects of trade, economic ties, regional security, and border management. The talks are viewed as a vital step in maintaining the momentum toward normalizing bilateral relations between India and China.

President Xi Jinping arrived in the Indian capital earlier on Saturday to participate in the summit hosted under India's chairship. The visit marks President Xi's first trip to India in nearly seven years, signaling a renewed push toward diplomatic engagement and structured communication between the two Asian economies. PM Modi Opens BRICS Summit 2026, Says India Is Building Economic Bridges Amid Trade Barriers.

PM Modi Meets Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit

Key Focus Areas of the 18th BRICS Summit

India's chairmanship of the 18th BRICS Summit is guided by the overarching theme of "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Discussions during the summit cover key global challenges, including:

• Multilateral Governance: Reforming international financial and political frameworks to better serve emerging economies.

• Economic Integration: Expanding local currency trade and linking cross-border payment systems across member nations.

• Sustainable Development: Joint initiatives in clean energy, supply chain resilience, and digital public infrastructure.

Background and Strategic Context

The meeting between PM Modi and President Xi comes as both nations work toward restoring stability in diplomatic and economic spheres following past border standoffs. Building on strategic dialogues held over the past two years, both leaders have emphasized managing differences through continuous communication and constructive cooperation.

The extended BRICS grouping—which now includes members across Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East—continues to serve as a pivotal forum for voice amplification of the Global South. The bilateral exchange between India and China on the summit's sidelines reinforces the commitment of both nations to foster stability and economic growth across the region.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).