• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India to host 18th BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
  2. Xi Jinping's attendance remains unconfirmed, drawing global attention.
  3. Putin confirmed; Modi-Xi bilateral meeting rumored before summit.

BRICS Summit 2026: India is all set to host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The national capital has been decorated with posters and illuminated installations as preparations for the two-day summit continue. India is hosting the summit under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Russian Prez Putin Confirmed, Xi’s Attendance Still Unclear

Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are confirmed to attend the summit, while Brazil will officially be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit will be closely watched as Beijing has still not officially confirmed whether Xi will travel to New Delhi for the Summit.

China Backs India’s BRICS Presidency

With the summit just two days away, the discussion around Xi’s attendance has intensified. On Thursday, when asked whether the Chinese President would attend the Summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun did not provide a definitive answer. According to Global Times, Jiakun said, "Regarding the question you raised, I currently have no information to provide."

Earlier on Wednesday, Beijing said it “attaches great importance” to BRICS cooperation and supports India’s role as the summit chair. But when asked who would lead China’s delegation, spokesperson of MFA China DG of Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy, Mao Ning said that Beijing would release information if there is any update.

ALSO READ: BRICS Summit 2026: Dinner Hosted By PM Modi To Closed-Door Session, Here's Full Schedule Of Global Event

The lack of confirmation has been called unusual and raised questions over whether Xi will attend personally or send another senior Chinese leader as he did during G20 Summit 2023 held in India. If Xi does travel to New Delhi, it would also mark his first visit to India since 2019.

What Happened In G20 Summit 2023?

There is also a recent precedent for Xi skipping a major summit in India. During the G20 Summit in 2023, Xi did not attend the event, and China was instead represented by Premier Li Qiang. While Beijing did not give an official reason for Xi’s absence at the time, it was speculated that the decision came amid strained India-China relations following the 2020 border clashes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Meanwhile, several news outlets, citing sources have reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi could hold a bilateral meeting on Saturday, with China’s Foreign Ministry expected to make an announcement soon.

ALSO READ: PM Modi, Putin's Bilateral Meet Confirmed Before BRICS; Sukhoi Jet, Nuclear Plants, US Sanctions To Dominate Talks

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