Modi and Xi are set to meet at BRICS with trade and border issues in spotlight

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   BRICS leaders convene in New Delhi for 18th Summit

   Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together leaders including Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to discuss global conflicts, trade, and investment. The event includes an "Outreach/BRICS+" format, which Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attended to deliver a plenary address and conduct bilateral meetings. The gathering blends formal diplomacy with cultural exchange, highlighted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim performing a Hindi classic by Kishore Kumar during a gala dinner hosted by Modi.

   Why it matters

   This summit marks the first visit to India by Xi Jinping since 2019. The meeting occurs as emerging powers attempt to stabilize ties while facing economic and geopolitical pressure from the United States.

   What is confirmed

   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
   • Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the summit.
   • President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in India to participate in the summit and address the plenary session in the Outreach/BRICS+ format.
   • The summit focused on trade, investment, and global conflicts.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sang the song Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat at a BRICS gala dinner.

   What to watch next

   • Outcomes of the bilateral meeting between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping regarding border tensions.
   • Specific trade or investment agreements reached during the summit plenary sessions.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Kazakh President arrives in New Delhi for BRICS Summit
   2. jen.jiji.com — Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulates Kazakhstanis on Family Day
   3. www.upr.org — BRICS leaders meet in India as wars and US tensions test the bloc
   4. jen.jiji.com — AI-powered robot dogs join public safety efforts in Kazakhstan
   5. www.indiablooms.com — From diplomacy to Bollywood: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim sings Kishore Kumar at BRICS
   confidence 95%
2. 4d ago

   Modi and Xi Set to Meet at New Delhi BRICS Summit

   Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are arranging a bilateral meeting during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two-day summit, running on September 12 and 13, brings together leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Discussions between Modi and Xi are expected to focus on trade and border tensions, marking Xi's first trip to India since 2019. The diplomatic engagement highlights efforts by emerging powers to rebuild ties amid mounting economic and geopolitical pressures from the United States.

   Why it matters

   The diplomatic outreach between New Delhi and Beijing follows a prolonged freeze in high-level visits since 2019, driven by military standoffs along their disputed border in Arunachal Pradesh. Observers note that shared pressures from United States tariffs, sanctions, and broader economic conflicts are encouraging both emerging powers to seek common ground. The current summit also features cultural exhibitions, such as the BRICS Bazaar showcasing traditional crafts.

   What is confirmed

   • The 18th BRICS Summit is held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
   • Chinese leader Xi Jinping is visiting India for the first time since 2019.
   • China and India are arranging a meeting between Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi.
   • Border tensions in Arunachal and economic issues are set to dominate the Modi-Xi bilateral meeting.

   Still unconfirmed

   • U.S. pressure campaigns, tariffs, and sanctions are directly driving Xi and Modi to rebuild ties and find common ground at the summit.

   What to watch next

   • Official announcements or joint statements emerging from the bilateral talks between Modi and Xi.
   • Developments regarding border resolution agreements or trade frameworks between India and China.
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. The New York Times — In a Club of Emerging Powers, China and India Vie for Influence
   2. Reuters — China, India arranging meeting for Xi, Modi, China's foreign ministry says
   3. NDTV — China Ends Suspense, Xi Jinping To Visit India For BRICS Summit
   4. CNBC — Modi and Xi are set to meet at BRICS with trade and border issues in spotlight
   5. Financial Times — World’s biggest relationship? Xi and Modi look to rebuild ties for 2.8bn people
   6. Bloomberg.com — Xi’s First India Trip Since 2019 Extends an Olive Branch to Modi
   7. ndtv.com — Xi Jinping Returns: India And China Build On Ties Momentum, BRICS By BRICS
   8. The Hindu — Border tensions in Arunachal, economic issues set to dominate Modi-Xi bilateral
   9. The Telegraph — Trump’s pressure campaign brings Xi and Modi together
   10. South China Morning Post — China’s Xi Jinping to make first trip to India in 7 years for Brics summit
   11. jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan’s traditional crafts showcased at BRICS Bazaar 2026 in New Delhi
   12. www.cnbc.com — Trump's America-first world is pushing other powers to hedge their bets
   confidence 100%