Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in New Delhi on September 12, 2026, during the 18th BRICS Summit, with the two leaders taking stock of the recent movement in India-China relations and discussing ways to maintain a stable and constructive engagement.
The meeting comes as New Delhi and Beijing continue efforts to improve communication following years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control. Both sides have maintained diplomatic and military-level engagement aimed at preventing border-related differences from affecting the wider relationship.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi underlined the importance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas for the broader development of India-China ties. He also stressed that existing agreements and understandings concerning the border should be respected and implemented. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to pursuing a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question.
PM Modi also highlighted the importance of the relationship being based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. The approach reflects India’s emphasis on managing differences through dialogue while continuing engagement in areas where the two countries share common interests.
Economic relations were another part of the discussions. The two sides examined issues affecting trade and business ties, including concerns surrounding trade imbalances, supply chains and market access. India has continued to seek a more balanced and predictable economic relationship with China while encouraging greater opportunities for Indian businesses.
People-to-people exchanges were also discussed, with both countries recognising the value of restoring and expanding travel, cultural interaction and business contacts. Improved connectivity and greater interaction between citizens could contribute to broader engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
President Xi Jinping also called for a long-term strategic perspective in managing China-India relations, according to China’s official account of the meeting. Beijing emphasised the importance of viewing the two countries as partners and maintaining peace in border regions while expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The talks also carried significance in the context of BRICS. Prime Minister Modi appreciated China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship and the successful hosting of the 2026 summit. India, in turn, conveyed its support for China’s upcoming BRICS presidency.
The latest Modi-Xi meeting indicates that India and China are continuing high-level diplomatic engagement while working through unresolved differences. Border stability remains a key element of the relationship, alongside efforts to expand economic, cultural and multilateral cooperation.
For New Delhi, maintaining peace along the border while protecting India’s interests remains central to the broader relationship with Beijing. The continuation of direct dialogue between the two leaderships provides a channel for addressing differences and exploring areas where cooperation can move forward.
-
-
-
-
