In their first bilateral meeting since 2019, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, Russia, during the BRICS Summit. This meeting comes after a significant breakthrough at diplomatic and military levels, leading to a restoration of the status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which had been disrupted since the military standoff in Ladakh began in May 2020. Tensions between the two countries had escalated following the Galwan Valley clash, but recent agreements on a new patrolling arrangement have paved the way for de-escalation.
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the importance of India-China relations not only for their respective nations but also for global peace and stability. Modi emphasized the necessity of mutual trust and respect along the border, while Xi Jinping stressed the need for both nations to improve communication, manage differences, and support each other’s developmental goals. They both expressed optimism for constructive talks that could lead to further cooperation.
This interaction marked a turning point, signaling potential improvements in trade, economic, and people-to-people ties, which had been strained due to security concerns over the past few years. The last formal meeting between the two leaders was held in 2019, though brief interactions had occurred at international events, such as the G20 Summit and the BRICS Summit in South Africa.
