'Partners, Not Rivals': Xi, Modi Push For Stronger India-China Ties At BRICS Summit 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, signaling a strengthening of bilateral ties. The roughly 40-minute conversation marked Xi's first visit to India in seven years, following years of strained relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Both leaders emphasized the need to view each other as partners rather than rivals and to treat each other's development as an opportunity. Xi noted that bilateral relations had moved from a "new start" to a "new elevation" and highlighted the gradual resumption of institutional exchanges, expanded cooperation agenda, and increased bilateral trade.

Modi stressed the importance of border peace and adherence to existing agreements, echoing the "three mutuals" principle of mutual respect, sensitivity, and interest. The leaders discussed expanding economic and people-to-people ties, including greater business linkages, cultural exchanges, and mobility. Both sides acknowledged the need for balanced economic cooperation and managing differences through dialogue and diplomacy while the broader boundary dispute remains unresolved.

President Xi concluded by urging greater multilateral coordination between India and China, including through platforms like BRICS.