Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to attend a two-day BRICS summit alongside leaders from India, Russia and Iran. The meeting is expected to focus heavily on the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, global trade tensions and energy security.
Xi's visit is particularly significant as it is his first trip to India since 2019 and represents the latest major step in a cautious improvement in relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Relations between Beijing and New Delhi deteriorated sharply following the deadly 2020 military clash along their disputed Himalayan border. However, the two sides have since taken steps to rebuild ties, including restoring flights, visas and high-level contacts.
Xi is expected to hold face-to-face talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite improving relations, the unresolved border dispute, trade imbalance and strategic rivalry continue to create major challenges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are also in New Delhi for the summit. The ongoing US-Iran conflict, Russia's war in Ukraine and global energy concerns are adding further significance to the gathering.
India is attempting to maintain a delicate balance in its relations with Russia and Iran while also strengthening ties with the United States.
BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers. Modi said BRICS countries represent around 50% of the world's population and 40% of global GDP.
