PM Narendra Modi with Cai Qi and Chinese President Xi Jinping (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in India to attend the BRICS Summit 2026, putting the spotlight on his expected meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, apart from Xi’s visit, the presence of Cai Qi, one of China’s most influential political figures and a close aide of the Chinese President, has also attracted global attention.
Cai Qi’s inclusion in the Chinese delegation reflects the importance Beijing is attaching to the summit and the discussions around the future of India-China relations. His presence comes at a time when both countries are trying to rebuild communication after years of diplomatic challenges.
Who is Cai Qi, the leader travelling with Xi?
Cai Qi is considered one of Xi Jinping’s most trusted members within the Chinese Communist Party leadership. He plays an important role in coordinating key matters within Xi’s political system and is often involved in implementing major policy decisions.
His participation in important foreign visits is seen as a signal of the priority China gives to those engagements. Unlike traditional diplomatic representatives, Cai Qi’s role is closely connected with China’s top leadership and internal decision-making process.
Xi Jinping’s India visit comes at a crucial stage for bilateral relations. The ties between New Delhi and Beijing faced serious challenges after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which led to a prolonged period of military and diplomatic tensions.
Since then, both sides have made efforts to maintain dialogue and reduce differences. The Modi-Xi interaction during the BRICS Summit is being closely watched as it could indicate the future direction of India-China relations.
While areas such as trade, economic cooperation and global platforms offer opportunities for engagement, issues related to border security, strategic competition and mutual trust continue to remain major concerns.
The BRICS Summit 2026 has provided a major platform for India and China to discuss cooperation amid changing global power equations. With emerging economies seeking a stronger voice in international affairs, the role of BRICS has become increasingly significant.
For India, the challenge is to strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation while protecting strategic interests. For China, better engagement with India could help improve its position among developing nations.
The arrival of Xi Jinping along with Cai Qi highlights that China is approaching the BRICS Summit with a carefully planned diplomatic strategy.
The biggest question now is whether Xi’s India visit will mark the beginning of a meaningful improvement in ties or remain limited to diplomatic symbolism. The outcome of Modi-Xi talks could shape the next phase of India-China relations.
