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The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia marks a significant development in the strained relationship between India and China. This bilateral meeting, the first since 2019, comes after years of tensions stemming from the military stand-off in Ladakh, a disputed border region. The stand-off, triggered by China's perceived violation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto boundary between the two countries, led to a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, comes on the heels of a breakthrough in talks at both diplomatic and military levels. This breakthrough signifies a potential return to the status quo that existed before May 2020, when the Ladakh stand-off began with the Galwan Valley clash. The agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC, reached after years of deadlock, marks a significant step towards de-escalation in the region where both countries have deployed tens of thousands of troops.
The meeting underscores the positive shift in India-China relations following the consensus on patrolling arrangements. The agreement signifies a move towards normalization after a period of heightened tensions. While there were brief interactions between Modi and Xi at the G20 summit in Bali in 2022 and the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in 2023, these were not considered bilateral meetings where trade, economy, and other key aspects of the relationship were discussed. The absence of direct flights between the two nations for four years and the stringent visa requirements for Chinese technicians highlight the extent of the disruption in bilateral ties.
The outcome of this bilateral meeting will be closely watched to determine the future trajectory of India-China relations. The restoration of normal trade, economic ties, and people-to-people interactions will be crucial indicators of the progress made in resolving the long-standing border issues and rebuilding trust. The meeting holds the potential to mark a turning point in India-China relations, paving the way for a more stable and constructive engagement between the two Asian giants.
Source: PM Modi, Xi Jinping Hold Bilateral Talks In Russia, First Since Ladakh Stand-Off