The improving India-China relationship could give BRICS greater diplomatic significance as India prepares to host the group’s 18th summit in New Delhi on September 12–13. A former envoy has argued that BRICS should not be dismissed as irrelevant, even though major differences remain among its members. The recent India-China thaw includes renewed high-level talks, border-management discussions and preparations for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s expected visit to India. The development comes as BRICS seeks a stronger role for the Global South in global governance, trade and multilateral institutions. Experts, however, caution that improved ties do not mean the long-running border dispute has been resolved.Can India-China Ties Reshape BRICS?The latest diplomatic movement between New Delhi and Beijing has created fresh attention around BRICS and its geopolitical role. The grouping has expanded significantly and now brings together countries with different political and economic interests. For India, improved engagement with China could create more space for cooperation on issues such as trade, multilateralism and Global South priorities. However, analysts say the relationship will remain sensitive as the border dispute and strategic competition continue.India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12–13.China is expected to be represented by President Xi Jinping.India and China have resumed several high-level diplomatic and military dialogues.The Himalayan border dispute remains an important unresolved issue.BRICS continues to provide a platform for cooperation among major Global South economies.Thaw Follows Years Of TensionIndia-China relations deteriorated sharply after the 2020 military clashes in eastern Ladakh. Since then, both sides have worked through military and diplomatic channels to reduce tensions and restore some normalcy. The process gained momentum after the October 2024 Modi-Xi meeting in Kazan and subsequent engagement between officials from both countries.In August 2026, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 25th round of Special Representatives talks in Beijing. The two sides agreed on several measures covering boundary discussions, military communication, border management and other bilateral mechanisms. Indian and Chinese military commanders subsequently held high-level flag meetings in the Arunachal Pradesh sector in early September.Also Read: PM Modi Putin Talks Ahead Of BRICS Summit In New DelhiBRICS Gains New Strategic ImportanceThe expected presence of Xi Jinping at the New Delhi summit has added diplomatic significance to India's BRICS chairship. Reuters reported that Xi's expected visit would be his first to India in seven years and could provide an opportunity for greater engagement after years of tension. However, the exact outcome of any bilateral interaction should not be assumed before it takes place.BRICS itself is also undergoing a major transformation. India’s 2026 chairship is focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while the summit agenda includes global trade, finance, technology, energy security and reform of international institutions. The grouping's expansion has increased its economic and political weight but also made consensus more complicated.Key HighlightsIndia will host the BRICS summit in New Delhi on September 12–13.Xi Jinping is expected to visit India for the summit.India-China talks have increased after years of strained relations.Doval and Wang Yi recently held the 25th Special Representatives meeting.Border-management mechanisms are being strengthened through military dialogue.BRICS remains an important platform for Global South cooperation.Trade And Diplomacy MatterThe improving atmosphere could also affect economic engagement between India and China. Trade remains a major part of the relationship, even though the two countries continue to compete strategically. Recent discussions have raised the possibility of greater economic engagement while India continues efforts to reduce vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.For BRICS, stronger India-China communication could make cooperation on trade, financial systems, development and multilateral reform easier. But the grouping is not a military alliance, and its members continue to hold different positions on major geopolitical issues. Its future influence will therefore depend on whether members can convert their economic weight into practical cooperation.ConclusionThe India-China thaw has added a new dimension to the debate over BRICS and its future geopolitical relevance. Renewed dialogue, border-management efforts and the expected Xi visit show that both countries are maintaining channels for engagement despite unresolved differences. A deeper thaw could create more room for cooperation within BRICS, particularly on trade, Global South interests and multilateral reform. However, the border dispute and strategic competition mean that any long-term reset will require sustained diplomacy and trust-building.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge and news-information purposes. It reflects verified developments and attributed expert assessments and should not be treated as a prediction of future geopolitical outcomes.
