Beijing just gave New Delhi a diplomatic thumbs-up for the upcoming BRICS summit, but left everyone guessing about whether President Xi Jinping will actually pack his bags. Honestly, it is the classic diplomatic dance we have come to expect between the two Asian giants.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made it clear during a media briefing that Beijing backs India's chairing of the bloc and wants the September event to be a full success. Yet, when pressed on whether Xi would physically travel to India for the September 12-13 gathering, the response was a tight-lipped dodge. "For the specifics you mentioned, I have no information to share at the moment," Mao told reporters.
If you are trying to read between the lines, you have to look at the broader diplomatic chessboard.
The Bigger Picture Behind India's BRICS Chairmanship
India holds the current chair of the expanded grouping. Since its initial founding days with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the bloc has grown significantly. With countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia now sitting at the table, the stakes for hosting a smooth, impactful summit are higher than ever.
When Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri traveled to China for talks with Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying, both sides talked up political mutual trust and managing differences. They want a stable bilateral track. Publicly endorsing India's summit management costs Beijing nothing and shows multilateral cooperation. But committing to top-tier physical attendance is a different beast altogether.
Why Xi Jinping's Attendance Remains a Question Mark
Xi's calendar is notoriously guarded until the absolute last minute. Bilateral friction along the Line of Actual Control, shifting global alignments, and intense domestic scheduling mean Beijing plays its cards close to the chest.
China loves the BRICS platform because it counters Western-led financial architectures. They want the summit to project strength and unity among developing nations. Skipping it entirely sends the wrong signal about that unity. On the other hand, showing up in New Delhi requires a careful calculus of optics, bilateral optics, and security protocols.
You can expect months of speculation. Diplomats will negotiate behind closed doors while state media keeps things vague.
What Happens Next
The September summit is marching forward regardless of final travel confirmations. India is locking down the agenda, focusing on economic cooperation, technology sharing, and expanding the voice of the Global South.
Keep an eye on preparatory ministerial meetings over the coming weeks. If mid-level delegations start signaling high-level visits, Xi's attendance odds will tick upward. Until then, treat Beijing's official statements as supportive of the institution, but non-committal on the individual.
