Xi Jinping Returns to Beijing After Attending 18th BRICS Summit in India
Chinese President Xi Jinping returned to Beijing on September 13, 2026, following the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined three strategic goals achieved during the visit: enhancing BRICS cooperation, empowering the Global South, and guiding China-India relations. Key outcomes included proposals for AI collaboration, a commitment to host the next summit in China, and a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived back in Beijing on the evening of September 13, 2026, concluding his attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India. The summit took place from September 12 to 13, 2026. Accompanying President Xi on his return were Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi briefed reporters on the visit, stating that it achieved three strategic goals: enhancing BRICS cooperation, empowering the Global South, and guiding China-India relations. During his less than 24-hour stay in New Delhi, President Xi participated in nearly 10 activities, including a deep discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A significant outcome of the summit was China's announcement that it will host the 19th BRICS Leaders' Meeting next year. This marks the fourth "China Year" for the bloc. President Xi proposed several initiatives for BRICS countries, focusing on AI-enabled new industrialization, open-source AI, digital industry cooperation, and smart manufacturing. Specific plans include building an AI open-source zone for BRICS nations, establishing a digital industry cloud platform, and implementing a youth sci-tech exchange program.
In their bilateral meeting, President Xi and Prime Minister Modi agreed that China and India should be partners rather than rivals. They noted that trade volumes between the two nations have hit new highs. Prime Minister Modi stated that India's development of relations with China is not influenced by third parties and that anti-China activities are not allowed in India. The leaders also reaffirmed their partnership status, marking the third consecutive year of bilateral meetings between Chinese and Indian leaders.