Xi set for first India visit in seven years at BRICS summit

BEIJING/NEW DELHI - Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to travel to India next month for the BRICS summit, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The visit would represent his first trip to the country in seven years and comes amid tentative signs of improved relations between Beijing and New Delhi.

The Chinese leader is expected to bring a large delegation to the New Delhi summit, underscoring the significance Beijing is placing on the engagement. Such high-level participation would mark a notable shift, given the escalating border tensions and strategic rivalry that have characterised bilateral relations in recent years.

The BRICS grouping, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has emerged as a key forum for developing nations to coordinate on global economic and political matters. Xi's presence at the summit would provide a platform for direct engagement with Indian leadership and other member states.

The potential visit comes as India and China have sought to stabilise their relationship following military clashes along their disputed border in recent years. Diplomatic channels between the two nations have remained active despite underlying tensions over territorial and strategic concerns.