PM Modi and Xi Jinping Hold Landmark Bilateral Meeting at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Russia, marking their first meeting in five years. This encounter follows a recent agreement on border patrolling between India and China. Modi reiterated India’s support for dialogue over conflict and emphasized collaboration against terrorism during his address at the summit.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit held in Russia. This significant encounter marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders in nearly five years, following their last formal meeting in Mamallapuram in October 2019, shortly before escalating tensions arose due to the border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The discussions come in the wake of a recent agreement between India and China concerning patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This diplomatic breakthrough was achieved after multiple rounds of talks at both military and diplomatic levels. Recent engagements have included meetings between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as well as National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s meeting with Wang on the occasion of BRICS-related discussions in St. Petersburg. Before the meeting, during an Open plenary session at the BRICS Summit, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy rather than warfare, specifically addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And, just as we together defeated a challenge like COVID, in the same way, we are fully capable of creating new opportunities for a safe, strong and prosperous future for the future generation.” Furthermore, he urged BRICS nations to unite against terrorism and its financing, reinforcing the need for collaborative action and dismissing double standards in confronting such serious concerns.

The BRICS Summit serves as a crucial platform for dialogue among emerging economies which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly since the last meeting between PM Modi and President Xi, marked by increased tensions between India and China, primarily due to border disputes. Recent months have seen a concerted effort from both sides to engage diplomatically, leading to agreements aimed at reducing hostilities along their shared border and improving bilateral relations. Modi’s statements made during the summit also reflect India’s broader diplomatic stance on global security issues, including terrorism and international cooperation in response to threats such as cyber security challenges.

In conclusion, the recent bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit marks a pivotal step toward improving India-China relations after a prolonged hiatus. The convergence came shortly after both nations reached an agreement concerning border patrolling, highlighting a focus on diplomacy to resolve longstanding tensions. Modi’s advocacy for dialogue, not conflict, alongside calls for united action against terrorism, underscores India’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. The developments from this meeting could play a significant role in shaping the future of bilateral ties between India and China.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com