PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping finally held that long-awaited bilateral meeting in Russia on Wednesday, the first such formal talks between them since 2019. On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, PM Modi spoke to Xi about the importance of de-escalating tensions, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
It was, however, an important step for both nations relations have deteriorated after the military standoff in 2020. PM Modi to Xi highlighted that the restoration of peace and stability at the border was an important thing.
Talks between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi come just days after a diplomatic breakthrough. Both countries had agreed to resume patrolling arrangements disrupted by the 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley recently. The agreement has borne out an indication of military de-escalation in the region. PM Modi to Xi reemphasized mutual trust as an essential ingredient in furthering mutual relations, especially with years of military build-up on both sides of the border.
PM Modi and Chinese President Xi talk about mutual development goals
This high-level meeting also indicates renewed possibilities for cooperation between India and China. PM Modi told Xi that the two countries should focus on mutual development goals and that their differences be resolved through dialogue. The conversation has marked a positive balance in India-China relations after years of strained relations between the two leaders, who expressed their readiness to work towards long-term peace and stability.
“Excellency, I am happy to meet you, and like you mentioned, this is a formal meeting between us after five years. It is my belief that the importance of India-China relations is not just for the citizens of our two countries, but also very significant for peace, stability, and progress for the entire world.
We welcome the consensus reached on the issues that have arisen in the last 4 years along the border. It should be our priority to ensure there is peace and stability along our border. Mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity should be the basis our bilateral relations. Today, we have got an opportunity to speak about all these issues and I trust that we will hold these talks with an open mind and that our talks will be constructive going forward. Thank you.”
The meeting, against this backdrop, brings trade and economic issues under the scanner as well. The outcome of these talks could have wide-ranging implications in terms of whether normalcy is regained to the level of trade relations affected as a result of these tensions. Such a bilateral engagement between PM Modi and Xi draws close attention because, as players in the international politics field, both countries possess salience in these politics. This dialogue seems to be forging a possible avenue for cooperation to regain its appropriate footing.
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