Modi and Xi Hold First Formal Talks in Five Years, Signaling Thaw in Relations

 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have conducted their first formal discussions in five years, indicating a potential thaw in relations following a deadly military clash in 2020.

The meeting took place on Wednesday during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, as confirmed by both the Indian government and Chinese state media. This dialogue comes shortly after the two nations reached an agreement aimed at resolving a four-year military standoff along their disputed Himalayan border.

During their meeting, Modi and Xi exchanged handshakes in front of their national flags and emphasized the significance of managing their differences. Xi highlighted the critical stage of development for both countries, urging careful handling of disputes and the facilitation of mutual development goals. He stated, “It’s important for both sides to shoulder our international responsibilities, set an example for boosting the strength and unity of the developing countries, and contribute to promoting multipolarity and democracy in international relations.”

Following the talks, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that both leaders affirmed the importance of stable and friendly bilateral relations for regional and global peace and prosperity.

The 2020 clash, which occurred in the largely undemarcated Ladakh region of the western Himalayas, resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers. This incident significantly strained relations, leading both nations to bolster their military presence along the border.

Modi and Xi have not engaged in formal discussions since their last summit in October 2019 in Mamallapuram, India. Although they were present at various multilateral events, including a brief conversation at the G20 summit in Bali in November 2022 and a subsequent meeting during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, their diplomatic exchanges had been limited.

The deterioration of relations was exacerbated when Xi opted not to attend the G20 summit hosted by New Delhi in September, which was perceived as another setback for bilateral ties.

However, recent diplomatic efforts have intensified, especially after foreign ministers from both countries met in July and agreed to enhance discussions aimed at easing border tensions.

The new agreement concerning military patrols along the frontier was announced this week, although it remains unclear if it encompasses the entire length of the border or only the specific areas where clashes occurred in 2020.

Border tensions have long been a contentious issue between India and China, with Beijing claiming the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of its Tibet region, a dispute rooted in a border war fought in 1962.