Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet for a crucial bilateral discussion (change to meeting) during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, marking the first formal talks between the two leaders in five years. This significant development comes after a long period of heightened tensions between India and China, particularly following the violent Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The meeting could signal a renewed effort to restore peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and improve relations between the two neighboring giants.
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Background of the Tensions
The bilateral ties between India and China have been strained ever since the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, where soldiers from both nations were killed in a violent confrontation. The Galwan incident marked the most serious military conflict between the two countries in decades. The confrontation further deteriorated diplomatic relations, and multiple attempts to restore normalcy through dialogue had stalled (better as stalled).
In recent years, several brief interactions between Modi and Xi occurred at multilateral events, but no formal bilateral talks were held until now. The meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit represents a potential turning point in India-China relations, particularly after both sides reached an agreement to resume patrolling at friction points along the LAC.
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Resumption of Dialogue: A Diplomatic Breakthrough
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi, stating that the discussions will be held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. The timing of the meeting has yet to be confirmed, but the significance of this diplomatic breakthrough is undeniable.
A day before the scheduled talks, India and China reached an agreement to allow patrolling to resume in eastern Ladakh, particularly in areas where tensions have persisted since the Galwan Valley clash. This agreement is part of a broader disengagement process, which has seen both militaries pull back from four of the six friction points, including Galwan. However, unresolved issues remain in key areas such as Depsang and Demchok, where negotiations are ongoing.
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According to the Indian government, patrolling and grazing rights have been a key point of contention in eastern Ladakh. Misri emphasized that the disengagement agreement focuses on reverting to the status quo before the Galwan clash. “Wherever applicable, we’ll revert to the initial stage before Galwan,” he stated, indicating India’s insistence on restoring normalcy along the LAC as a precondition for peace.
Key Issues to Be Discussed
One of the primary focuses of the bilateral talks will be the situation along the LAC. India has consistently maintained that the normalization of relations with China is impossible unless there is peace and stability in the border areas. During the talks, PM Modi is expected to reaffirm India’s stance that border peace should be prioritized, and that any unresolved issues must be managed diplomatically without escalating tensions.
In addition to border security, both leaders are likely to discuss broader regional and global issues. As members of the BRICS group and the Global South, India and China have significant roles to play in shaping the international order. The two nations also share a strong economic partnership, despite recent political tensions, and trade-related issues may also feature in the discussions.
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Foreign Secretary Misri hinted at the possibility of future engagements between senior officials from both countries, particularly the renewal of talks between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister. These talks, which have been stalled since 2019, will focus on resolving lingering border disputes.
A Step Towards Rebuilding Trust
The meeting in Kazan marks a crucial moment for India-China relations. While it is unlikely that all issues will be resolved immediately, the resumption of formal dialogue is a step in the right direction. The two leaders last met formally in Mahabalipuram in 2019, and the lack of substantive communication since then has contributed to the deterioration of trust between the two nations.
China has also acknowledged the importance of the recent agreement, with its government stating that a resolution has been reached on “relevant matters” and that it is committed to working with India to implement these resolutions.
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The significance of this meeting cannot be understated. Both India and China are major powers in the region, and their relationship has far-reaching implications for global peace and stability. The renewed efforts to engage diplomatically, particularly on border security, could pave the way for more comprehensive discussions on trade, economics, and other bilateral concerns.
Conclusion
The upcoming bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan mark a potential thaw in India-China relations. After five years of strained ties, the meeting is a crucial step toward rebuilding trust, particularly in the aftermath of the Galwan Valley clashes. With both sides emphasizing the need for peace along the border, this dialogue could lead to a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two nations. As the talks unfold, the world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter in India-China relations develops.
