BRICS 2026: Union Ministers, Chief Ministers Travel On Special Bus For Modi's BRICS Gala Dinner

The two leaders welcomed the progress in India-China relations and affirmed taking a strategic, long-term perspective, noting differences should not become disputes. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that ties must be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest, emphasizing that peace and tranquillity.

Both sides agreed on resolving the boundary issue fairly and observing existing agreements. Discussions also addressed structural trade imbalances, supply chain issues, market access, and expanding people-to-people exchanges.

What Happened

In an interview with India Today, Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and former Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, analyzed India-China bilateral relations ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit. Tewari pointed out that while China resolved land boundary disputes.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026.

• He identified the unresolved border delineation and a massive annual trade deficit of nearly $100 billion as major obstacles requiring political conviction to resolve.

• Furthermore, Xi called on both countries to channel their efforts towards fostering high-quality development and to play a proactive role in promoting global peace and stability.

Key Details

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, marking the Chinese leader's first visit to India in several years. Opening statements from both leaders underscored opportunities for bilateral.

• He highlighted that China appreciates the economic achievements of both sides and underscored that maintaining a stable, constructive relationship serves the interests of Global South nations.

• In his opening remarks, President Xi stated that the Sino-Indian relationship has steadily developed over the years and emphasized that Beijing views these bilateral ties through the lens of strategic importance.

• Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first visit to India in nearly a decade, noting that the two leaders have met over twenty times.

Why It Matters

Experts noted that while border delineation and market access remain central to negotiations, both nations recognize the necessity of strategic coexistence and pragmatic collaboration in the Global South.

• High-level discussions between the core Indian diplomatic delegation and Chinese counterparts focused on key issues, including peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and addressing the bilateral trade deficit.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge