During the BRICS Summit 2024 held in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in five years, marking a pivotal moment in India-China relations. This long-anticipated dialogue occurred in the backdrop of ongoing tensions over the India-China border, specifically the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, where a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers took place in 2020. The clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers, straining relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

The bilateral meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, was the first separate interaction between Modi and Xi since the border conflict. The discussion came just days after both countries reached a disengagement agreement to ease tensions along the LAC. Prime Minister Modi emphasized during the meeting that maintaining peace and stability at the border should remain the top priority for both countries. He highlighted the importance of properly managing differences and ensuring that disputes do not disturb the overall peace and tranquillity between the two nations.

Welcoming the recent agreement for complete disengagement in the border areas, PM Modi underscored that these efforts should pave the way for a broader, long-term solution to the India-China boundary dispute. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India released a statement saying, “The two leaders agreed that the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question would meet at an early date to oversee the management of peace and explore a fair and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary issue.” This development represents a step forward in de-escalating tensions and preventing further military standoffs.

During their discussions, Modi and Xi Jinping reaffirmed the importance of stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, emphasizing that cooperation between the two largest nations on earth would positively impact both regional and global peace and prosperity. They acknowledged that their relationship has a significant influence on ensuring a multi-polar Asia and contributing to a multi-polar world. Both leaders stressed the need to enhance strategic communication and focus on developmental challenges, recognizing that addressing these issues is key to maintaining a peaceful and prosperous relationship between their nations.

The meeting followed previous brief interactions between PM Modi and President Xi, first during the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022 and again at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023. However, these interactions were not as in-depth as this bilateral discussion, which centered on stabilizing the situation at the LAC and rebuilding bilateral trust.

India-China Relations: A Troubled Past and a Hopeful Future

The tensions between India and China have been particularly high since the 2020 clash at the LAC in the Himalayan region of Ladakh. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of soldiers from both sides, triggered a significant military buildup along the undemarcated frontier. Over the past four years, both countries have stationed tens of thousands of troops and advanced weaponry in the region, transforming it into a heavily militarized zone.

Despite these tensions, the bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit signaled a willingness from both sides to work towards de-escalation. Modi and Xi Jinping recognized the need for improved diplomatic communication to manage differences, ensuring that any disputes are handled diplomatically without escalating into conflicts. Prime Minister Modi called for the relevant dialogue mechanisms, including meetings between Foreign Ministers and officials, to be used effectively to rebuild and stabilize bilateral relations.

Both leaders agreed that the Special Representatives from both countries would meet soon to explore a fair and reasonable resolution to the boundary issue. This engagement shows a willingness to move past the military standoff and work towards peaceful solutions, which is critical for the stability of India-China relations in the long run.

The India-China boundary has been a contentious issue for decades, with disputes over the LAC causing frequent stand-offs. However, the recent agreement for disengagement is a positive step, suggesting that both countries are committed to finding long-term solutions to prevent such incidents in the future.

Diplomatic Impact of Modi-Xi Meeting at BRICS

This bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi holds significant diplomatic implications. Both nations are major players in Asia and the global economy, and their ability to manage disputes and work together on developmental challenges will have far-reaching consequences. By emphasizing the need for stable relations and strategic communication, India and China can not only enhance bilateral ties but also contribute to the stability of the entire region.

As the BRICS Summit 2024 concludes, this meeting is expected to be one of the most important outcomes, potentially shaping the future trajectory of India-China relations. For both nations, cooperation on developmental challenges and resolving border disputes could open new avenues for trade, economic collaboration, and regional security.

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