Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal talks in five years on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. The meeting comes after a deadly clash in 2020 and a recent deal to resolve a military standoff on their disputed Himalayan border. Both leaders emphasized the importance of handling disputes and stressed the positive impact of stable bilateral relations on regional and global peace and prosperity.
The clash in 2020 in Ladakh led to strained relations, with both countries increasing military presence along the border. Modi and Xi had not held formal talks since 2019, but recent diplomatic efforts have gained momentum, including meetings between foreign ministers to ease tensions. The recent agreement on military patrols along the frontier is a step towards easing the border tensions.
The standoff had led to increased scrutiny on Chinese investments in India, restrictions on flights, and visa issuances. The announcement on the military pact did not specify if it covered the entire border or just specific points where clashes occurred in 2020. Border tensions are a longstanding issue, with China claiming India’s Arunachal Pradesh and a border war between the two countries in 1962.
The meeting between Modi and Xi is seen as a positive development in their relations, with both leaders highlighting the importance of unity among developing countries and promoting democracy in international relations. The talks signify a thawing of icy relations between the two nations and a step towards peace and stability in the region.
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