India-China thaw: 5 things to know as Xi heads to Delhi

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit India for a summit on September 12-13, marking a significant step in the cautious thaw of relations between the two nuclear-armed Asian giants. The visit will be Xi's first to India since October 2019, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's August 2025 trip to China.

Since a deadly 2020 border clash in Ladakh that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, the relationship between India and China has been slowly improving. In October 2024, Beijing and Delhi agreed on patrolling arrangements, which paved the way for renewed political contacts. However, deep mistrust remains, with their disputed Himalayan frontier, a heavy trade deficit, and strategic rivalry complicating ties.

Here are five key points to know about Xi's upcoming visit to India:

1. The border issue remains the primary obstacle to further progress in relations. Despite the easing of tensions following the 2020 clash, both countries continue to maintain heavy military deployments along their roughly 3,500-kilometer border.

2. The BRICS summit in Delhi provides a platform for Xi to engage in high-level talks with Indian leaders. This will be the first BRICS summit hosted by India, signaling the growing importance of the relationship in the context of this emerging group of major economies.

3. The visit comes as India and China have been gradually resuming flights, some visas, and high-level contacts. However, these measures have been implemented cautiously, with both sides wary of further triggering tensions.

4. The visit will likely focus on discussing ways to de-escalate the border situation and finding mutually beneficial solutions to the economic and strategic challenges that continue to divide the two nations.

5. Despite the cautious optimism surrounding Xi's visit, it is clear that the relationship between India and China remains complex and fraught with historical grievances. The success of the visit will depend on both sides' ability to navigate these challenges and find common ground moving forward.