India, China chart pragmatic course ahead of 2026 BRICS Summit

India and China are positioning themselves to adopt a pragmatic approach in their bilateral relations as they look ahead to the 2026 BRICS Summit, according to sources familiar with diplomatic discussions between the two Asian powers.

The shift in tone comes as both nations seek to manage their complex relationship while maintaining their commitments to multilateral forums. Officials from New Delhi and Beijing have indicated a preference for focusing on areas of mutual benefit and practical cooperation, even as deeper structural differences persist between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leadership last held a formal bilateral meeting on August 31, 2025, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in China. That interaction provided both sides an opportunity to exchange views on regional and global issues facing the BRICS bloc and its member states.

As the world's two most populous nations and major emerging economies, India and China's engagement carries significant implications for regional stability and the broader direction of the BRICS grouping, which also includes Brazil, Russia and South Africa. Observers suggest that any signs of improved bilateral pragmatism could help facilitate smoother coordination within the bloc on key developmental and geopolitical matters.

Neither country has issued detailed statements on the scope or timeline of discussions expected before the 2026 summit, though diplomatic channels remain active between the two governments.