Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official invitation brings the leader of China to the regional gathering on September 12 and 13. Beijing confirmed Thursday that President Xi Jinping will participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first return to the neighboring nation in seven years.

The 11 member group will meet in New Delhi this weekend, with presidents from Russia and Iran among the attendees. Discussions on Saturday center on economic challenges and the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.