Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for the first time in nearly seven years, attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. This visit is poised to draw significant attention as Xi meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The encounter is crucial as both nations aim to stabilize their relationship, which was strained by the 2020 military standoff along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The conflict, particularly the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, severely impacting bilateral ties.
Efforts to mend relations began to show progress after India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 to disengage at Depsang and Demchok. Following this, Modi and Xi met during the BRICS summit in Kazan, agreeing to revive mechanisms addressing the border dispute and working towards rebuilding their diplomatic relationship. Since then, both countries have resumed direct flights, restarted the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and continued diplomatic and military discussions aimed at maintaining peace along their shared border.
In August, a significant development occurred when India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi reached an eight-point consensus. This consensus included new military meeting points, the establishment of new hotline channels, and the reopening of three designated border trading points. Further, a corps commander-level meeting was held in the eastern sector on September 6, indicating ongoing efforts to manage border issues.
While progress is evident, India maintains that peace and tranquility along the border are crucial for the full normalization of relations. The discussions between Xi and Modi during the summit are expected to signal the level of commitment both sides have towards advancing the stabilization process and addressing unresolved boundary disputes. The BRICS summit will also serve as a platform for leaders to deliberate on global political and economic issues, including conflicts, economic cooperation, and reforms to multilateral institutions.