China has said it will work with India to strengthen bilateral relations and address differences, ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, confirmed that arrangements were underway for a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. In a post on X on Friday night, he said the meeting would be an opportunity to advance communication and cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting is expected to be the third consecutive year in which Modi and Xi have met, following their previous interactions in Kazan and Tianjin. Xi’s visit to India comes nearly seven years after his last visit, according to the source material.
In his statement, Xu said China and India would follow the strategic guidance of their leaders, take a long-term approach to bilateral relations, improve communication and expand cooperation. He also stressed the importance of properly managing differences while promoting a relationship based on good-neighbourliness and mutual benefit.
Xi’s visit comes against the backdrop of tensions that followed the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. Relations have since shown signs of improvement, with the two leaders meeting in Kazan and Tianjin.
According to the report, Xi departed Beijing for the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. He was expected to arrive in the capital at 12:25 pm IST, while the bilateral meeting was scheduled for 5:45 pm.
The Chinese delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and director of its General Office, along with Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau and China’s Foreign Minister.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi, with discussions expected to focus on cooperation among member countries and broader global issues.
