Chinese President Xi Jinping Returns to India as BRICS Summit Opens New Chapter in Global South Cooperation

Addis Ababa, September 12, 2026 (FMC) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, bringing together leaders of the expanded BRICS membership for discussions on cooperation, development and the evolving role of the Global South in international affairs.

Xi’s arrival marks his first visit to India in seven years and comes as New Delhi hosts the two-day summit on September 12–13 under India’s 2026 chairship theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The Chinese president is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit, adding further momentum to high-level dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. China has expressed its readiness to work with India from a strategic and long-term perspective and to strengthen their partnership as good neighbours and mutually supportive partners.

Xi’s participation also highlights the growing importance of BRICS as a platform for dialogue and practical cooperation among countries of the Global South. The summit brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

For Ethiopia, represented at the summit by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a high-level delegation, the gathering provides an important platform for strengthening partnerships with fellow BRICS members and contributing to discussions on global governance, economic cooperation, development and shared priorities.

The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is expected to advance cooperation among the expanded membership and reinforce the grouping’s role in promoting dialogue, partnership and a stronger voice for developing countries in global affairs.