Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in five years during the BRICS Summit in Russia, coinciding with a new agreement on patrolling along the LAC. Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing cooperation against terrorism, and highlighting the importance of the BRICS nations in fostering stability and security.
At the recent BRICS Summit held in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their first discussion in five years. The pivotal meeting occurred shortly after India and China reached an agreement regarding patrol operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been a contentious area since the border standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020. Modi and Xi’s last structured dialogue took place in October 2019 in Mamallapuram. The agreement on patrolling is the result of extensive diplomatic and military negotiations between the two nations. In acknowledging the recent progress in relations, it follows a series of strategic discussions held by senior officials, including Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during relevant international summits. Prime Minister Modi, preceding the meeting with Xi, articulated India’s enduring commitment to dialogue and diplomacy during an open plenary session of the BRICS Summit. He emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions in conflicts, specifically citing, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.” He expressed a vision for collective action among BRICS nations to combat terrorism and terrorism financing, underscoring the necessity for unity and active measures against radicalization among youth. In conclusion, the dialogue between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi signifies a crucial first step towards re-establishing communication and cooperation between India and China after a protracted period of silence, indicating a desire for a more stable and diplomatic approach to resolving territorial disputes and regional issues.
The geopolitical relationship between India and China has been complex and often tense, particularly in light of border disputes that have escalated in recent years. The PATROLLING agreement along the Line of Actual Control is crucial for reducing friction between the two nations. The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for dialogue among emerging economies, providing a backdrop for leaders to engage both multilaterally and bilaterally. Modi’s commitment to dialogue and his call for cooperative efforts against terrorism represent a broader strategy for regional stability and cooperation among BRICS members.
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi marks an important development in India-China relations, signaling a renewed commitment to dialogue and diplomacy after a prolonged hiatus. The recent agreement on patrolling along the LAC demonstrates a willingness to engage constructively in addressing contentious issues. Furthermore, Modi’s emphasis on cooperation against terrorism and support for diplomacy aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives, reflecting a desire for sustainable peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
