New Delhi, September 13

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for closer cooperation on trade, technology and global security at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. His visit also brought India-China relations into focus. In talks on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the need for peace along the border, while both leaders acknowledged concerns over trade.

According to official accounts of the summit, Xi urged BRICS members to work together on artificial intelligence, industrial supply chains and investment. He proposed a BRICS AI Open Source Zone and a partnership among special economic zones. China also plans to host a BRICS service trade forum when it takes over the group’s chairmanship next year.

Xi said BRICS should give developing countries a stronger voice in global decisions. He called for a political settlement to the conflict in West Asia and said the group should support efforts to restore peace. China’s account of his summit remarks also emphasised cooperation on innovation and trade.

His bilateral meeting with Modi drew attention because it came during Xi’s first visit to India in seven years. Relations had deteriorated after the 2020 military clash in eastern Ladakh. Tensions along the border have since eased, and official exchanges have resumed. The boundary dispute remains unresolved.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Xi that peace and tranquillity in the border areas were essential for the continued development of ties, according to the Indian government’s statement. He stressed that both sides must observe existing agreements and understandings. The leaders also expressed support for a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.

The meeting covered travel, cultural exchanges and business links. Xi said the two countries should treat each other as partners and address each other’s economic concerns, according to the Chinese account. The Indian statement specifically mentioned the trade imbalance, supply chain issues and the need for predictable market access.

According to estimates the scale of that imbalance remains a major concern for India. Its goods trade deficit with China reached $112.16 billion in 2025-26. India imported goods worth $131.63 billion from China and exported $19.47 billion. The Delhi talks kept dialogue moving after years of strain. Further progress will depend on calm along the border and concrete steps to address the trade concerns both leaders discussed.