Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend next month’s BRICS summit in New Delhi with a large delegation, according to three sources, in what would be his first visit in seven years. The trip would signal a thaw between China and India after deadly border clashes in 2020. Officials from both countries are expected to use the summit to explore ways to expand engagement while managing long-standing border and regional security differences.
Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, July 1. Reuters-Yonhap
NEW DELHI — Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to attend next month's BRICS summit in New Delhi with a large delegation, three sources said, in what would be his first visit in seven years and a fresh sign of a thaw between the rivals.
India is hosting the September 12 to 13 summit, where Xi's presence would be watched less for the BRICS agenda than for what it signals about Beijing and New Delhi's efforts to stabilise relations after deadly border clashes in 2020.
"Chinese officials are busy finalising hotels and security protocols," one of the Indian sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, but the relationship has only improved gradually. More recently, a fresh border-related dispute triggered sharp diplomatic exchanges between the two sides.
