Kazan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on Wednesday on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Russia. This meeting was notable as it was their first structured engagement in the last five years, signalling a potential thaw between the two nations since the clashes between their troops in 2020.

During the talks, President Xi Jinping emphasised that “China and India should strengthen cooperation,” according to Chinese state media. He stated, “It is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples that China and India correctly grasp the trend of history and the direction of development of bilateral relations.” Xi further remarked that “the two sides should strengthen communication and cooperation, properly handle divergences and differences, and realise each other's development dreams.” Additionally, he called on both countries to “shoulder international responsibilities, set an example for developing countries to seek strength through unity, and contribute to a multi-polar world and democratisation of international relations,” as reported by CCTV.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that “PM Modi and President Xi instructed special representatives to meet at an early date and continue their efforts,” indicating a commitment to further discussions. He added that Modi and Xi recognised the “critical role” of these representatives in resolving the India-China boundary question. Modi underscored the need to avoid letting differences over boundary matters disturb “peace and tranquility on borders.” Misri also noted that the leaders welcomed agreements reached through sustained dialogue over the last few weeks, emphasising that this meeting occurred closely on the heels of disengagement and patrolling pacts and the resolution of issues that arose in border areas in 2020.

Progress on Eastern Ladakh Standoff

The discussions occurred two days after India and China reached a significant agreement regarding military patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This development marks a breakthrough in efforts to resolve the over four-year standoff at the border.

Previous Encounters

The last structured meeting between the two leaders took place during their second informal summit in Mamallapuram in October 2019. In November 2022, Modi and Xi exchanged pleasantries and had a brief conversation at a dinner hosted by the Indonesian President for the G20 leaders. Additionally, they held a short informal discussion in August last year during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

Background of the Border Row

The eastern Ladakh border dispute erupted in May 2020, leading to heightened tensions between India and China. The recent meeting signifies a potential thaw in relations and progress towards diplomatic engagement between the two nations.