Modi and Xi Hold Historic Bilateral Meeting at BRICS Summit…

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in five years during the BRICS Summit in Russia. This meeting follows a recent agreement on border patrols along the disputed Line of Actual Control between India and China. Modi emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation to tackle terrorism and global issues.

During the BRICS Summit held in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping for a bilateral discussion, marking the first such meeting in five years. The encounter occurred shortly after India and China reached an agreement concerning patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been a point of contention between the two nations. Their last structured dialogue took place in October 2019, prior to the onset of the border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The recent agreement on border patrols was the result of several diplomatic and military discussions between the two countries. It also followed a series of meetings between senior leaders from both sides in recent months, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s engagements with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s meeting with Wang in St. Petersburg this September. Prior to his meeting with Xi, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy during an open plenary session at the BRICS Summit. He emphasized that India advocates for peaceful resolutions over conflict, stating, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.” He further urged BRICS nations to unite against terrorism and to actively collaborate to prevent radicalization among youth, calling for a unified approach towards addressing terrorism and terror financing.

The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi is significant, as it comes after a prolonged period of heightened tensions between India and China, particularly surrounding border disputes. The last five years have seen various rounds of confrontations, leading to a strained diplomatic relationship. The current agreement on border patrols signifies a potential thaw in relations, stemming from continuous diplomatic efforts and high-level talks initiated after several military standoffs. The context of the meeting at the BRICS Summit further illustrates the complex geopolitical landscape where dialogue is crucial for maintaining peace and cooperation among nations.

The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit represents a crucial step towards mending relations between India and China. The recent agreement on border patrols indicates progress in resolving long-standing disputes, while Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on diplomacy and dialogue reflects India’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. The discussions underscore the importance of cooperation among BRICS nations to address global challenges such as terrorism and geopolitical tensions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com