Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in India after a gap of seven years, marking his first visit to the country since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Xi is in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit, with his visit being closely watched amid continuing efforts to stabilise ties between the two Asian powers.

The spotlight will now turn to Xi’s much-anticipated meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Saturday evening, with discussions expected to focus on India-China relations and the way forward for the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi at BRICS summit

Modi-Xi meeting draws global attention

The meeting assumes significance against the backdrop of considerable ups and downs in India-China relations following the Galwan clash. While dialogue between the two sides has continued since the border tensions emerged, the relationship has remained an important focus of regional and global diplomacy.

Modi and Xi are expected to discuss issues concerning bilateral ties, including the broader trajectory of relations between the two countries. Their meeting will be closely followed not only in India and China but also internationally, given the strategic importance of the relationship between the world's two most populous nations.

Modi, Putin and Xi to share BRICS stage after nearly a decade

The BRICS Summit will also bring Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping together in the same setting after nearly 10 years. The three leaders were last seen together at the BRICS Summit held in Goa in 2016.

Ahead of that summit, a photograph of Modi, Putin and Xi together on October 15, 2016, had drawn attention. The three leaders were seen wearing attire reflecting Indian traditions.

BRICS summit under close watch

The New Delhi BRICS Summit is expected to deliberate on several major global and economic issues, with leaders of prominent economies taking part in the India-hosted gathering.

Xi’s visit comes at a particularly significant juncture for India-China relations, making interactions between the two countries’ leaders on the sidelines of the summit especially important. The discussions could offer indications of how New Delhi and Beijing intend to take their relationship forward amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Modi to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders on Saturday. Besides Xi Jinping, the meetings will involve heads of state and government from other participating countries.

The discussions are expected to cover areas including trade, bilateral cooperation, global developments and relations between India and the respective countries. With several high-level engagements lined up on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, the meetings are likely to remain an important part of India's diplomatic outreach.