Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the first time in nearly seven years, marking his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. This visit is particularly significant as it underscores efforts by India and China to mend their relations, which have been strained since the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The conflict in the Galwan Valley that June resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, severely impacting diplomatic ties.
The journey toward reconciliation began with an agreement reached in October 2024, focusing on disengagement at Depsang and Demchok. Subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi met at the BRICS summit in Kazan, where they committed to reviving discussions on the border dispute and strengthening bilateral relations. This has led to the resumption of direct flights between the two nations, the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and ongoing diplomatic and military dialogues aimed at maintaining border peace.
In August, notable progress was made when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi established an eight-point consensus. This included additional military meeting points, the creation of new hotline channels, and the reopening of three designated border trading points. A corps commander-level meeting in the eastern sector followed on September 6, further indicating both countries’ commitment to resolving their differences.
Despite these advances, India maintains that sustained peace and tranquillity along the border are crucial for the full normalization of relations. Therefore, Xi’s discussions with Modi during the summit are anticipated to shed light on how both countries plan to move forward with the stabilization process and tackle the unresolved boundary issues.
The BRICS Summit will also serve as a platform for leaders to engage in discussions on global political and economic matters, including international conflicts, economic cooperation, and reforms to multilateral institutions. As such, Xi’s visit and the bilateral talks with Modi are expected to be closely watched, given their potential impact on regional stability and global diplomatic dynamics.