Russian President Vladimir Putin is confirmed to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13, while Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to travel to India with a delegation of about 400 officials, according to reports citing Indian officials familiar with preparations.
Xi Visit Would Mark Significant Thaw
If confirmed, Xi’s trip would be his first visit to India in seven years and could become one of the most closely watched diplomatic developments surrounding the summit.
Reuters reported that Chinese officials are finalising hotel and security arrangements for the visit, while two Indian sources estimated that Xi could be accompanied by roughly 400 officials more than twice the size of the Chinese delegation that accompanied him in 2019.
China’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed Beijing’s support for India’s hosting of the summit but, at the time of the Reuters report, had not formally confirmed Xi’s attendance.
India-China Relations in Focus
Xi’s potential visit comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilize relations following the deadly 2020 border clashes in the Himalayas.
The two nuclear-armed neighbours have gradually restored diplomatic and economic contacts, including renewed discussions on border management and the resumption of direct passenger flights. However, significant disagreements over their disputed border and regional security remain unresolved.
A meeting between Xi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit could therefore provide an opportunity to deepen the recent rapprochement while addressing outstanding bilateral concerns.
Putin’s Presence Adds Strategic Weight
Putin’s confirmed attendance will give the summit additional geopolitical significance. Russia remains one of India’s major strategic partners, particularly in defence, energy and trade.
Modi is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with Putin around the summit, with defence cooperation, energy and economic ties among the issues likely to feature prominently.
The presence of both Putin and Xi places India at the centre of an important gathering of major emerging powers while allowing New Delhi to maintain its policy of strategic autonomy.
BRICS Seeks Greater Global Influence
The New Delhi summit will take place as BRICS continues to expand its membership and influence across the Global South. India has sought to emphasize practical cooperation in areas including trade, technology, development financing, supply chains and sustainable growth rather than allowing the grouping to become solely defined by opposition to Western powers.
The attendance of Putin and potentially Xi is nevertheless likely to increase international attention on BRICS’ position on global conflicts, economic governance and the changing balance of power.
For India, the summit presents a diplomatic opportunity to demonstrate that it can bring together major powers while maintaining its own independent foreign-policy priorities.
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