In a highly anticipated development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. The announcement was confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday. As the summit approaches, significant attention is focused on the possibility of a meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This meeting could mark their first in-person interaction since both leaders took office, following brief interactions at the G20 summit in Bali in November 2022 and the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023.

During these previous interactions, PM Modi and President Xi had brief discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The situation along the LAC has been tense since the deadly clashes in June 2020, which resulted in the loss of at least 20 Indian soldiers. Although Beijing has not disclosed the number of casualties on its side, both leaders have previously agreed to escalate efforts to resolve the border tensions.

Ongoing India-China Border Negotiations

Amidst the backdrop of the BRICS Summit, there is hope that PM Modi and Chinese leaders will engage in substantive discussions regarding peace along the border regions. Despite extensive negotiations that have led to the mutual withdrawal of troops from several confrontation sites, including Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and Gogra Post, the standoff remains unresolved.

India has continuously advocated for peace and stability along its borders by facilitating military commander-level talks and National Security Advisor-level meetings. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has met several times with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the ongoing situation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has also held bilateral meetings with Yi, reflecting India's commitment to diplomatic dialogue.

Early Return of Peace at the India-China Border

Both nations have expressed a desire for an early return to peace along the LAC. China's narrative posits that the mutual withdrawal of troops from Patrolling Point 15 in September 2022 signifies a restoration of normalcy along the eastern Ladakh border. However, Indian military leaders maintain a cautious outlook on the situation.

Indian Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi recently characterized the situation as "stable but not normal" and acknowledged that it remains sensitive. He stated, “We will remain there till things don't become normal.” His comments echo the complexities of the India-China relationship, which encompasses competition, cooperation, coexistence, confrontation, and contestation.

Progress and Consensus on Troop Disengagement

In the wake of these developments, the Chinese Defence Ministry claimed that the differences between the two nuclear nations have been "reduced" and indicated that some consensus has been reached regarding troop disengagement at friction points. The Chinese authorities emphasized their commitment to maintaining dialogue and working towards a resolution that is acceptable to both sides at an "early date."

Similarly, during a statement on September 12, Jaishankar noted that "roughly 75 percent of the disengagement problems" with China had been addressed. He pointed out that the primary challenge lies in the increasing militarization of the frontier, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic engagement.

Looking Ahead

As PM Modi prepares for the BRICS Summit, the potential for a significant meeting with President Xi could reshape the narrative surrounding India-China relations. The outcomes of their discussions may influence not only bilateral ties but also the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.

As the world watches closely, the BRICS Summit in Kazan represents an opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy that could pave the way for improved relations and stability along the LAC. Updates on the outcomes of the summit and any meetings between PM Modi and President Xi will be crucial in assessing the future of India-China interactions.

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