Before Xi-Modi talks on BRICS sidelines, China says it wants to ‘properly handle differences’ with India

Feihong wrote on X: " China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi."

He further said: " This will be the third year in a row for the two leaders to meet with each other, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin."

The envoy concluded: " China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed."

Xi is visiting India to attend the BRICS Summit.

Xi’s visit to India assumes significance as the two countries seek to normalise bilateral ties following a prolonged freeze after the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff.

Several top world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have already arrived in India for the Summit.

India, which holds the BRICS presidency in 2026, will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

It will be India’s fourth BRICS chairship. The country’s 2026 chairship is guided by the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

BRICS currently comprises 11 countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.

Collectively, the grouping represents around 49.5% of the world’s population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.