Is Xi Jinping attending the BRICS summit? Here's what we know so far

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s participation in the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi remains officially unconfirmed, with Beijing declining on Tuesday to say whether the Chinese leader will attend the September 12-13 meeting.

Asked at a regular press briefing whether China could confirm who would represent the country at the summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing attaches great importance to BRICS cooperation and supports India in hosting a successful summit. However, she said she had no further information to offer on the specific question of China’s representation.

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with India hosting the grouping under its 2026 chairship.

Xi was invited last year

India had extended an invitation to Xi to attend the summit during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in August 2025.

According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Modi invited Xi to the BRICS summit that India would host in 2026. Xi thanked Modi for the invitation and expressed China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship.

However, the invitation itself does not amount to confirmation that Xi will attend this year’s summit. As of September 8, Beijing has not publicly confirmed that the Chinese president will lead the country’s delegation to New Delhi.

Reports point to a possible Xi visit

While there is no official confirmation, Reuters reported in August that Xi was likely to attend the summit, citing three sources. The report said Chinese officials were working on preparations for a large delegation and that Xi’s participation would mark his first visit to India in seven years.

That remains media reporting rather than an announcement from the Chinese government. Therefore, Xi’s attendance should not be described as confirmed until Beijing or another authoritative source formally announces it.

Modi and Xi have met before

Modi and Xi most recently met in person on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin in August 2025. Modi had travelled to China for the SCO meeting, his first visit to the country in seven years.

The two leaders had also met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.

If Xi does attend the New Delhi summit, his presence would carry significance beyond the BRICS agenda, given the gradual efforts by India and China to stabilise bilateral relations following tensions along their disputed border.

What is confirmed — and what isn't

As of September 8, the confirmed position is straightforward: the BRICS summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12-13, India invited Xi in 2025, and China has not yet officially confirmed whether Xi will attend.

There are credible media reports indicating that Xi is likely to participate, but that remains unconfirmed by Beijing.

So, for now, the safest description is: Xi Jinping is widely expected to attend the BRICS summit, but his participation has not been officially confirmed.