Speaking to reporters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China and India are arranging for the bilateral meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Modi.”
Ning said the meeting would mark the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met, following their previous meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.
“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-neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed,” she said.
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.
On China’s position on the BRICS Summit, Ning said the grouping remains an important platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.
“BRICS is the key platform for solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries. Guided by the BRICS Spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, BRICS countries have been committed to upholding multilateralism, defending fairness and justice, and pursuing common development ever since the grouping was formed,” she said.
“Today, BRICS has grown into a real force standing at the forefront of the Global South,” Ning added.
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.