Xi Jinping Attends 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Announces China’s Next-Year Chairmanship
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 18th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, 2026. During the summit, he participated in a tree-planting ceremony, delivered speeches on Global South unity and multilateralism, and held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Xi announced that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th Summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his attendance at the 18th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in New Delhi, India, returning to Beijing on September 13, 2026. The two-day summit focused on strengthening cooperation among emerging economies and enhancing unity within the Global South.
On September 12, President Xi participated in a joint tree-planting ceremony with other heads of state before attending the first session of the summit. In his remarks, Xi summarized the 20-year history of BRICS cooperation using the terms "self-reliance," "standing together through storms," and "fruitful results." He proposed that BRICS nations should act as pioneers in four key areas: promoting innovative development, maintaining peace and stability, advancing mutual learning among civilizations, and reforming global governance.
A significant announcement during the summit was made regarding the future leadership of the bloc. Xi stated that China will assume the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Meeting.
On September 13, during the second session of the meeting, Xi delivered a speech titled "Consolidating the Foundation of BRICS Cooperation and Strengthening the Power of the Global South." In this address, he emphasized that the logic of "might makes right" does not work and should be abandoned, reaffirming a commitment to multilateralism and open cooperation.
Beyond the plenary sessions, President Xi held a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 12. The leaders discussed ways to stabilize and improve China-India relations. Xi outlined four points for steady and long-term ties: strategic cognition, win-win cooperation, political wisdom, and multilateral collaboration. He emphasized that China and India are partners rather than rivals and that both countries should view each other's development as opportunities rather than threats.
Regarding border issues, Xi stated that China is committed to advancing bilateral relations and border issue resolution in parallel tracks to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas. The meeting also touched upon the 25th round of China-India Special Representatives meetings.
President Xi departed New Delhi at noon local time on September 13, marking the conclusion of his visit.