PM Modi, Xi Jinping meet for bilateral talks.
The recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping marks a significant diplomatic development, occurring just two days after officials from both countries reached an agreement regarding patrolling along the nearly 3,500-kilometer Line of Actual Control (LAC). This agreement is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the border areas, especially given the ongoing tensions between India and China. The discussions between Modi and Xi aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and address key issues that have affected the two nations, reflecting a renewed commitment to dialogue and cooperation in managing their complex relationship and regional security concerns.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit in Russia, highlighting the importance of dialogue between the two nations, especially amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
According to Chinese state media, President Xi Jinping emphasized the necessity for both countries to strengthen communication and cooperation.
This meeting comes after a significant hiatus in structured discussions.Since then, there have been only brief exchanges, including a polite conversation at a G20 dinner hosted by the Indonesian President in November 2022. More recently, in August 2023, Modi and Xi engaged in informal discussions during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
Border Patrolling Agreement
The timing of this meeting is particularly notable as it follows a diplomatic breakthrough regarding border patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Just two days prior, diplomats from India and China reached an agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions that have persisted for four years, particularly following the tragic clash in the Galwan Valley.
The negotiations are expected to pave the way for disengagement along the disputed border, an essential step in normalizing relations. Confirming the agreement, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian noted, “Over the past few weeks, China and India have been in close communication through diplomatic and military channels on issues related to the China-India border.
The Galwan Valley Clash
The Galwan Valley incident in Ladakh, which occurred on July 15, 2020, marked a significant escalation in border tensions. The violent clash resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and was recognized as one of the worst confrontations in 45 years, leading to an ongoing standoff and numerous military talks aimed at disengagement. In February 2021, China acknowledged that five of its military officers and soldiers also lost their lives in the clash, an admission that highlighted the severity of the situation.
PM Modi on Terrorism
During the summit discussions, Prime Minister Modi urged BRICS members to stand united against terrorism. He highlighted the importance of a firm stance against terrorism, stating, “There can be no ‘double standards’ on this serious matter.” He called for a collective approach to counter terrorism and terror financing, emphasizing the need for strong, unified support from all member countries.
He further emphasized the urgency of tackling youth radicalization and called for collaborative efforts on the long-standing issue of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
Expansion of BRICS
Modi also discussed the expansion of the BRICS alliance, expressing India’s readiness to welcome new member countries. He emphasized that decisions regarding expansion should be taken by consensus and that the perspectives of founding BRICS members should be respected.
The BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is evolving to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape. It recently welcomed four new members—Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates—on January 1, 2024. This expansion reflects the growing influence of BRICS on the global stage and underscores its commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse nations.
Leaders in Attendance
The summit was attended by several prominent leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chinese President Xi Jinping, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Luis Ecker Vieira. Their presence underscores the significance of BRICS as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among emerging economies.
In conclusion, the recent bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping marks a critical step toward rebuilding trust and cooperation between India and China. With the backdrop of the BRICS summit and the newly reached agreement on border patrolling, both leaders have an opportunity to address long-standing issues and foster a more stable and constructive relationship moving forward.