KAZAN, Russia: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold their first bilateral meeting in five years during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia.
This meeting marks a significant step towards easing tensions between the two nations after years of border disputes.
Relations between India and China have been strained since a 2020 skirmish along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, where 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives. The incident brought long-standing border tensions to the forefront, with both countries accusing each other of trying to seize territory. Following the clashes, both sides deployed thousands of troops to the region, intensifying the military standoff.
However, recent diplomatic efforts have led to a breakthrough. India announced earlier this week that an agreement on patrolling arrangements had been reached, easing the tension along the contested border.
The upcoming meeting between Modi and Xi is seen as a continuation of these efforts, building on brief encounters they had at the G20 and BRICS summits in 2022 and 2023.
In the aftermath of the 2020 clashes, India imposed restrictions on Chinese companies, banning popular apps like TikTok and curbing investments in critical sectors. New Delhi also strengthened ties with the US-led Quad alliance, which includes Australia and Japan, aimed at countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific.
Beijing is expected to push for the restoration of economic ties during the talks, seeking better access to India’s fast-growing market for Chinese firms. Both leaders hope to find common ground that could stabilize relations and open avenues for cooperation.
