India-China Relations Reset at Modi-Xi Meeting During BRICS Summit

At the BRICS Summit 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting that marked a significant reset in India-China relations. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, reflecting the multifaceted and longstanding ties between the two nations, officials said.

The summit saw a packed schedule for Prime Minister Modi, including meetings with Russia's Vladimir Putin and Iran's Pezeshkian. The main agreements reached during these talks are expected to be reflected in the summit’s final document, according to officials.

China had sought visas for Xi Jinping’s 67-member delegation on August 27, highlighting the scale of the event. Security measures were stringent, with anti-drone systems installed at strategic locations around the Indira Gandhi International and Palam airports, hotels, and the event venue to maintain close vigilance over the skies.

India-Russia ties deepened during Modi’s talks with Putin, with defence cooperation taking centre stage. The relationship between India and Russia was described as multifaceted and longstanding by experts.

During the summit, President Putin was presented with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, symbolizing the sharing of eternal wisdom across languages and borders. Meanwhile, India is expected to resist external pressures, including those from the US, regarding its cooperation with Russia, officials said.

Experts noted that the summit’s bilateral agenda included first touches on various topics, underscoring the importance of moving away from endless war towards peace. The strategic partnership between India and China was described as special and privileged, reflecting the complexity of their engagement.