New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with border issues, trade, investment and efforts to stabilise ties expected to be central to the discussions.
Xi, visiting India for the first time in nearly seven years, said the two countries can “learn from each other’s strengths” and achieve shared development. He also urged India and China to “join hands” to advance BRICS cooperation.
Welcoming Xi, Modi thanked China for its support during India’s BRICS chairmanship and said the meeting offered an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation.
The visit marks Xi’s first India trip since his October 2019 visit to Mamallapuram and the first bilateral meeting on Indian soil since the 2020 Galwan clash.
The leaders reviewed progress in improving ties, including the October 2024 patrolling agreement that helped ease the eastern Ladakh standoff.
The wider boundary dispute and peace along the roughly 3,500-km Line of Actual Control remain key concerns.
Recent steps include resumption of direct flights, easing of visa procedures, restoration of border trade and efforts to revive the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The two sides have also held military and diplomatic talks, including the September 6 Corps Commander-level meeting in Arunachal Pradesh and recent Special Representatives’ talks.
Trade was another major issue. Bilateral commerce reached around $151 billion in 2025-26, with India facing a deficit of nearly $112 billion.
Xi’s delegation includes senior Chinese officials Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
PM Modi Thanks China For Support During India’s BRICS Chairship
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked China for its support and cooperation during India’s BRICS chairship as he held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Welcoming Xi to India, Modi expressed gratitude for China’s positive remarks at the summit and said the two leaders now had an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation, while reiterating a warm welcome to the Chinese President.
Xi Calls For Strategic, Long-Term Approach To India-China Ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for India-China ties to be viewed from a strategic and long-term perspective, saying the two countries, despite their differences, can support each other and pursue common development.
Speaking during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Xi said both nations, as major Global South countries, have an important responsibility towards a shared future and should work together for high-quality BRICS cooperation and a more peaceful, stable and inclusive world.
