Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit, marking the first meeting in five years. This meeting follows a recent agreement between India and China on patrolling along the LAC, a result of multiple diplomatic discussions. Modi underscored India’s support for dialogue and collective efforts against terrorism during the summit.
During the BRICS Summit held in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a significant bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China, marking the first such encounter in five years. This meeting occurred shortly after India and China reached a crucial agreement concerning patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), following several diplomatic and military discussions. The last structured meeting between the two leaders took place in Mamallapuram, India, in October 2019, prior to escalating tensions that led to a border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The recent agreement on LAC patrolling reflects months of dialogue, including meetings between high-ranking officials from both nations, such as India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, engaging with their Chinese counterparts at various international forums. In his address at the Open plenary session of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s commitment to diplomacy and highlighted the importance of collaboration among BRICS nations to tackle global challenges, including terrorism and cyber security. He stated, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war.” Furthermore, he urged members to unify efforts against terrorism and to address the pressing issue of terror financing on an international scale, advocating for strong action against radicalization among youth. Overall, the meeting between Modi and Xi signifies a pivotal moment in India-China relations, focusing on diplomatic engagement and regional stability amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region.
The context of this bilateral meeting lies in the historical relations between India and China, particularly regarding border disputes that have often led to confrontations. Since the last structured dialogue in 2019, there have been multiple instances of border skirmishes and diplomatic strains. The recent agreement on LAC patrolling is a positive development reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagements, as both nations seek to stabilize relations and avoid further conflict. The BRICS Summit provided an ideal platform for this crucial interaction between leaders, aimed at fostering dialogue and cooperation among member states on international issues.
In conclusion, the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit represents a significant step in India-China relations, particularly after a prolonged hiatus of five years. The agreement on LAC patrolling highlights the importance of continuing dialogue to manage border disputes. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on diplomacy reflects India’s commitment to addressing not only bilateral relations with China but also broader international concerns such as terrorism and global security.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
