New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit, beginning his first visit to India in nearly seven years and setting the stage for a closely watched meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Modi-Xi talks at Bharat Mandapam are expected to focus on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), border stability, trade and investment restrictions, and the broader trajectory of India-China relations.
The visit comes after a gradual improvement in bilateral ties following the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh. While disengagement at several friction points has eased tensions, the wider boundary dispute remains unresolved, with both sides continuing to maintain substantial military deployments along the approximately 3,500-km frontier.
🚨 BIG: CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING LANDS IN INDIA AFTER 7 YEARS.
PM Modi and Xi Jinping are set to meet today on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OVfRq0u3K2
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 12, 2026
Beijing Signals Willingness to Engage
Ahead of Xi’s arrival, Beijing said it was ready to strengthen communication, deepen cooperation and appropriately manage differences with India.
The statement comes as New Delhi and Beijing seek to rebuild confidence through diplomatic and military channels while addressing persistent economic concerns, including India’s trade deficit, market access and restrictions affecting Chinese businesses.
Tight Security Around Chinese President
Xi’s visit has triggered an extensive security operation in the national capital. Authorities have deployed specialised security teams and heightened surveillance around his accommodation and summit venues.
A temporary no-fly zone has reportedly been enforced over the Chinese president’s hotel, while specialised teams have conducted detailed security checks, including measures against potential chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
Xi’s arrival adds major diplomatic weight to the BRICS Summit, with his meeting with Modi expected to provide a key indication of whether the recent India-China thaw can translate into lasting border stability and a broader reset in bilateral relations.
