Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held their first formal talks in five years, marking a significant step towards improving relations that have been strained since a deadly military clash in 2020.
The meeting took place on Wednesday during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, as both governments seek to resolve ongoing tensions. This discussion follows a recent agreement to address a four-year military standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.
During the meeting, Xi and Modi exchanged greetings against a backdrop of their national flags. Both leaders emphasized the importance of managing their differences. Xi stated that the two countries are at a critical point in their development and must work together to handle disputes while supporting each other’s growth.
“It’s essential for both sides to fulfill our international responsibilities and set an example for developing countries,” Xi remarked, highlighting the need for cooperation to promote a multipolar world and democracy in international relations.
India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, noted that stable and friendly relations between India and China, as two of the largest neighboring countries, are crucial for regional and global peace.
The 2020 clash, which occurred in the Ladakh region, resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers, significantly straining relations and prompting both nations to increase their military presence along the border.
Since their last formal talks in October 2019, Modi and Xi have only had brief exchanges at various multilateral events. They spoke informally at the G20 summit in Bali in November 2022 and again at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023. However, Xi’s absence from the G20 summit in New Delhi in September was viewed as a setback in their diplomatic relations.
Recent diplomatic efforts have gained traction, with foreign ministers from both countries meeting in July to discuss easing border tensions. The new agreement focuses on military patrols along the frontier, although details on its scope remain unclear.
Border disputes continue to be a contentious issue, with China claiming India’s Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet. The two nations previously fought a border war in 1962, and ongoing tensions have led to increased scrutiny of Chinese investments in India and restrictions on flights and visas.
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As both leaders aim to strengthen ties, the outcome of this meeting may have lasting implications for India-China relations and regional stability.
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