Xi Jinping to attend BRICS summit in New Delhi, China confirms | India News - Hindustan Times

**Xi Jinping to Attend BRICS Summit in New Delhi, China Confirms**

Beijing has formally confirmed that President Xi Jinping will travel to New Delhi for the upcoming BRICS summit, marking his first visit to India in seven years. The decision was announced after China submitted visa requests for Xi’s delegation on August 27, and Indian authorities have cleared the paperwork. The summit, scheduled for early September, will bring together leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for discussions on geopolitical coordination, economic cooperation and reform of global financial institutions.

The high‑profile visit is being portrayed by both sides as a step toward a broader diplomatic thaw after a period of strained ties that saw border standoffs and trade frictions. Officials in New Delhi say the agenda will include talks on normalising trade flows, reducing non‑tariff barriers and exploring joint infrastructure projects, while Beijing hopes to reinforce its “win‑win” development narrative. Nevertheless, analysts caution that deep‑seated mistrust still shadows commercial relations, with Indian businesses wary of over‑reliance on Chinese supply chains and Beijing cautious about perceived strategic encirclement.

Notably, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ruled out participation in the summit, underscoring the nuanced regional dynamics surrounding the gathering. While the BRICS forum offers a platform for emerging economies to coordinate on issues ranging from climate change to digital governance, the absence of Bangladesh’s top leader may limit the summit’s capacity to present a fully unified front on South Asian matters. Observers will watch closely whether Xi’s presence can translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible policy outcomes amid lingering geopolitical tensions.