China confirms Xi to visit India after 7 year gap; trade, normalisation on agenda - The Hindu

**China Confirms President Xi Jinping’s First India Visit in Seven Years**

Beijing has officially confirmed that President Xi Jinping will travel to New Delhi on September 12‑13 to attend the BRICS summit, marking his first official visit to India since 2017. The trip, scheduled to conclude with a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, is being framed by both governments as an opportunity to “reset” a relationship that has been strained by a series of border standoffs and trade frictions over the past decade. Sources within the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the agenda will focus on expanding bilateral trade, addressing the persistent trade deficit, and exploring mechanisms for smoother customs and investment flows.

The timing of the visit is significant. In recent months, New Delhi has sought to de‑escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after a series of face‑to‑face clashes in the Galwan Valley region that resulted in casualties on both sides. Chinese officials have expressed a willingness to “maintain strategic stability” while India has reiterated its demand for a “fair and balanced” approach to border management. Analysts note that the BRICS platform provides a neutral venue for dialogue, allowing both leaders to discuss broader multilateral issues—such as global supply‑chain resilience and climate cooperation—without the pressure of a bilateral summit alone.

Economic stakes are equally high. India’s trade with China has grown to over $120 billion annually, yet the imbalance heavily favours Beijing, with India importing roughly three times more than it exports. During the visit, both sides are expected to negotiate on tariff reductions, technology transfer, and cooperation in emerging sectors like renewable energy and digital infrastructure. The Chinese foreign ministry released a statement emphasizing “mutual respect, win‑win cooperation, and the normalization of economic ties,” while the Indian government hinted at possible concessions on visa policies for Chinese professionals and students as part of a broader confidence‑building package.