PM Modi invites Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for BRICS Summit in 2026 : MEA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to India for the BRICS Summit in 2026 during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. Xi Jinping thanked PM Modi for the invitation and offered China’s full support for India’s BRICS Presidency, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement.

The leaders reaffirmed that India and China are “development partners and not rivals” and emphasized that differences should not escalate into disputes. They highlighted the importance of a stable bilateral relationship for the growth and development of both countries and the promotion of a multipolar world. The MEA said both leaders expressed satisfaction over the successful disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh last year.

PM Modi underlined that India-China relations should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. The two leaders discussed expanding common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues, including terrorism, fair trade, and cooperation in multilateral platforms. They also agreed that resumption of direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra would strengthen bilateral ties.

Xi Jinping referred to India and China as the “elephant” and the “dragon,” stating that it is vital for both countries to come together and act as good neighbours. Both leaders expressed commitment to a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, taking into account the long-term interests of their people.

In addition to meeting Xi Jinping, PM Modi met Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. Modi shared his vision for bilateral relations, while Cai Qi reiterated China’s desire to expand exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders.