At the BRICS Summit in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral meeting in five years. The meeting followed a recent agreement on border patrolling along the LAC, signaling a thaw in relations. Modi reaffirmed India’s stance on dialogue and diplomacy while addressing terrorism at the summit.
During the BRICS Summit held in Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in a bilateral meeting, marking their first official interaction in five years. Their previous structured meeting occurred in Mamallapuram, India, in October 2019, just before a significant border standoff in eastern Ladakh between the two nations. This recent meeting followed an agreement between India and China regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which serves as their disputed border. This agreement was reached after extensive diplomatic and military discussions over recent months, including several high-level meetings between officials from both sides. Before the bilateral discussion, Prime Minister Modi addressed an open plenary session of the BRICS Summit, emphasizing India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy over conflict. He stated, “We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And, just as we together defeated a challenge like COVID, in the same way, we are fully capable of creating new opportunities for a safe, strong and prosperous future for the future generation…” He also highlighted the necessity for BRICS nations to unite against terrorism and its financing, calling for collaborative actions to address radicalization among youth and to advance the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the United Nations framework.
The BRICS Summit serves as a platform for the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to discuss varied global issues and enhance cooperation among member states. The recent meeting between PM Modi and President Xi is particularly significant given the complex and often tense relationship between India and China, especially following the 2019 border conflict. The LAC agreement and the preceding diplomatic engagements reflect ongoing efforts to stabilize relations and foster greater dialogue. Modi’s comments at the BRICS Summit also underline India’s broader foreign policy approach, prioritizing diplomacy and collaboration in addressing international security concerns.
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit is a significant step in re-establishing diplomatic ties after a prolonged period of tension. The recent agreement on patrolling along the LAC, along with Modi’s advocacy for dialogue and cooperation against terrorism, indicates a nuanced and proactive approach to regional security and international relations, aimed at fostering stability and collaboration between the two prominent nations.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
