The Xi Jinping India visit has brought fresh attention to India-China ties, with Congress urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise concerns linked to Arunachal Pradesh during his talks with the Chinese president.
Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit, his first visit to India in nearly seven years. Prime Minister Modi is hosting the Chinese leader for bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the summit.
The visit comes as New Delhi and Beijing seek to stabilise ties after years of tension. However, unresolved border concerns remain an important part of the relationship, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Congress renews focus on Arunachal concerns
The Xi Jinping India visit has also revived a demand raised by the Congress in August. The party had urged Modi to directly raise reports concerning access to historically patrolled areas along the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh with Xi.
Congress Foreign Affairs Department chairperson Salman Khurshid had described the reported denial of access as a serious concern. The party called for the government to address the issue and sought greater transparency over developments along the border.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also raised concerns over reports of Chinese activity near several locations in Arunachal Pradesh. However, the Indian Army rejected reports of fresh Chinese encroachment and camp construction as incorrect and without basis. Arunachal Pradesh officials have likewise dismissed some of the allegations.
Therefore, the claims remain contested and should be distinguished from officially established changes on the ground.
Modi Xi talks carry wider significance
The Xi Jinping India visit comes after efforts by both sides to improve communication. The two countries have held high-level discussions following the military tensions that began after the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff.
Xi’s arrival marks a significant diplomatic moment because it is his first trip to India since 2019. Both governments have indicated a desire to strengthen communication while managing differences.
Modi and Xi held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Saturday after the BRICS summit declaration was adopted. Xi stressed the importance of a long-term strategic approach to bilateral relations, while Modi said the meeting offered an opportunity to discuss cooperation.
Border issues remain sensitive
For India, the Xi Jinping India visit is taking place against a broader effort to improve ties without setting aside security concerns.
The two countries have made progress since their disengagement process following the Ladakh tensions. Yet differences remain over the boundary, trade and wider strategic issues. Recent reports have also pointed to continuing concerns about Chinese military activity in areas facing Arunachal Pradesh.
China continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as part of what it calls southern Tibet, while India firmly maintains that the northeastern state is an integral part of the country.
BRICS creates space for wider dialogue
The Xi Jinping India visit is primarily linked to the BRICS summit, but its bilateral significance is equally important. India is hosting the two-day summit as BRICS chair for 2026.
The grouping has become a larger platform for emerging economies, with discussions covering global governance, economic cooperation and international conflicts. Modi has called for stronger representation of the Global South in global institutions.
Meanwhile, China is set to host the BRICS summit in 2027. Xi’s participation therefore gives Beijing and New Delhi an additional platform to maintain regular high-level engagement.
Arunachal issue remains a key test
The Xi Jinping India visit has highlighted the challenge facing both countries. New Delhi wants to expand economic and diplomatic engagement, but border security remains a core concern.
Congress has argued that the government should use direct talks with Xi to seek clarity on developments along the Arunachal frontier. The government, meanwhile, has continued its diplomatic engagement with Beijing while maintaining India’s position on territorial sovereignty.
Ultimately, the Xi Jinping India visit may help sustain the recent diplomatic thaw, but lasting progress will depend on how effectively India and China manage their unresolved differences. For New Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh will remain a sensitive issue as efforts to rebuild bilateral confidence continue.
