Xi Jinping’s BRICS visit remains uncertain as China gives no confirmation

China on Thursday, September 10, declined to confirm whether President Xi Jinping will travel to India for the BRICS summit, leaving his participation in the September 12-13 meeting in New Delhi uncertain.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said it had no information to provide on Xi’s reported India visit. The development amid reports claiming the Chinese President will take part in the summit and an official announcement to that end was widely expected.

If confirmed, Xi’s visit would be his first trip

to India in seven years and comes amid a cautious improvement in ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China last year, while the two leaders also met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit earlier this month.

Modi and Xi are also expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The meeting could focus on efforts to further stabilise ties, including the border situation, trade and broader economic engagement.

India and China have taken steps to ease tensions since the 2020 border clashes, including resuming direct flights and easing visa procedures. New Delhi has also relaxed some restrictions on Chinese investment, particularly in sectors such as electronics, capital goods and solar cells.

However, significant friction remains, with regulatory scrutiny of Chinese companies, investment concerns, visa delays and restrictions on the movement of industrial equipment continuing to weigh on economic ties.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he will travel to India for the BRICS summit.

India is hosting the 18th BRICS summit on September 12-13, with leaders of the grouping’s 11 member countries expected to attend.