Modi and Xi Emphasize Strategic Cooperation During BRICS Summit Meeting
In a pivotal bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the necessity of advancing India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. The meeting marked their first substantial discussions at a delegation level in nearly five years.
Both leaders underscored the importance of enhancing strategic communication to address ongoing developmental challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility along their shared border. PM Modi welcomed a recent agreement facilitating complete disengagement in the border areas, resolving tensions that flared up following military confrontations in 2020. He stressed the critical need for both nations to manage their differences without allowing conflicts to disturb the fragile peace along their borders.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office indicated that the two leaders agreed that the Special Representatives regarding the India-China boundary will convene soon to oversee the status of peace and tranquility and to work towards a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of boundary disputes. Additionally, they affirmed that relevant dialogue mechanisms at the Foreign Ministers’ level would be utilized to stabilize and enhance bilateral relations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who briefed the media on the significance of the meeting, noted that both leaders recognized that stable relations between India and China, as the two largest countries globally, are crucial for regional and global peace. They discussed the importance of mutual respect for each other’s concerns and aspirations in fostering a beneficial relationship.
The leaders expressed their satisfaction with recent diplomatic and military negotiations, which have culminated in agreements on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Misri indicated that these agreements would pave the way for easing tensions and restoring normalcy in bilateral relations.
As discussions continued, the leaders explored avenues for deeper cooperation within the BRICS framework and acknowledged India’s support for China’s upcoming presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) next year.
Looking ahead, Misri mentioned that issues such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra would be included in future discussions as various bilateral channels are activated to foster confidence-building measures. In light of these productive exchanges, both nations hope to engage in further dialogue aimed at enhancing stability and cooperation, strengthening their bilateral relationship for the benefit of their citizens and the broader region.
