Xi Jinping Receives Cultural Welcome at Palam Airport Ahead of BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to a vibrant cultural welcome at Palam Air Force Station, where performers presented a range of Indian dance traditions ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. The reception placed the country's folk and classical forms at the centre of the arrival ceremony.

The presentation opened with Assam's Bihu, an energetic folk performance accompanied by the tabla, with dancers dressed in traditional mustard-yellow and red Muga silk attire. Manipuri classical dance followed, offering a contrasting mood through fluid, lyrical movements and gentle footwork. Performers wore distinctive cylindrical kumil skirts and translucent veils, their subtle upper-body gestures reflecting the grace associated with the tradition.

Gujarat's Garba added a communal folk element, with dancers moving in coordinated circles amid rhythmic clapping and spins. Their colourful, mirror-embellished chaniya cholis and kediyus contributed to the visual spectacle. Kathak represented North India, with performers displaying intricate tatkar footwork, rapid chakkars and expressive storytelling gestures in elegant costumes.

Together, the performances juxtaposed the contrasting energy of folk traditions with the precision of classical dance, offering the visiting delegation a glimpse of India's regional and cultural diversity.

Xi's visit marks his first trip to India in nearly seven years. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Saturday at Bharat Mandapam for a bilateral meeting. His entourage includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

At the BRICS summit, Xi is expected to advance proposals on Global South cooperation, as he did during the SCO Summit in Bishkek.