October 23, 2024
The meeting follows China's confirmation of progress in talks regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC), though no specifics on the new patrolling arrangement were provided
The last formal meeting between Modi and Xi was in October 2019, before the military standoff in eastern Ladakh began
Both leaders had brief interactions at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022 and the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, but this will be their first formal bilateral engagement since the standoff
China's Foreign Ministry confirmed positive developments in communication through diplomatic and military channels, signalling progress in border negotiations
The government announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping would hold their first formal bilateral meeting in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. This marks a significant diplomatic development amid ongoing tensions between the two countries over the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
The last structured meeting between the two leaders occurred in Mahabalipuram in October 2019, months before the Chinese incursions in Ladakh that led to the standoff. Although Modi and Xi have had brief interactions since, including at the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022 and the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in 2023, this will be their first formal bilateral meeting since the standoff began.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the meeting, stating that Modi and Xi will discuss bilateral issues on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Misri also touched upon the recent patrolling agreement between India and China, noting that patrols and grazing activities in disputed areas will revert to the conditions established in 2020. The discussions have focused on unresolved issues over the past few years, while previous disengagement agreements remain unchanged.
Earlier in the day, China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed progress in discussions regarding the LAC but did not provide specifics on the new patrolling arrangement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian acknowledged the positive outcome of recent negotiations and indicated that both sides would work towards implementing the agreement effectively.
China has communicated through diplomatic and military channels to resolve border-related issues with India. Although the Chinese Foreign Ministry did not elaborate on the specifics of the solution, state-run media in China reported that China views the outcome positively and will continue to collaborate with India to ensure the smooth implementation of the agreement.
Source: Indian Express