Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold formal bilateral talks today on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting marks the first formal encounter between the two leaders in five years and follows closely after a major diplomatic breakthrough—India and China recently reached a truce to resume patrolling in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The truce ends a four-year military standoff that began with the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
The bilateral meeting comes after both leaders attended a formal dinner on Tuesday night hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin for all BRICS leaders. The dinner marked the start of the two-day summit, where key discussions on global cooperation are taking place.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the Narendra Modi-Xi Jinping bilateral talks would take place today, though the exact timing has not been disclosed. Misri also addressed questions on the recent agreement between India and China to resume patrolling at remaining friction points along the LAC. He emphasized that the immediate focus is on disengagement, followed by de-escalation and the removal of troops from the region. “Patrolling and grazing activities will revert to the situation as it existed in 2020,” Misri stated.
China confirmed the agreement on “relevant matters” shortly before the Foreign Secretary’s announcement, signaling a mutual commitment to resolving the long-standing border tensions. The last formal meeting between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping took place in 2019 in Mahabalipuram, and their most recent informal conversation occurred in Johannesburg in August 2023 during the 15th BRICS Summit.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also engaged in bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian upon his arrival in Kazan. Narendra Modi assured Putin of India’s continued cooperation in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and highlighted the strong relationship between India and Russia, calling it “deeply privileged.” Putin echoed these sentiments, noting the dynamic development of bilateral ties.
Narendra Modi’s meeting with the Iranian leader was the first since Pezeshkian assumed office in July 2023. The two leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in areas such as Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Pezeshkian also praised India’s support for Iran’s accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS, and accepted Narendra Modi’s invitation to visit India soon.
These diplomatic meetings highlight India’s focus on fostering global partnerships while addressing key regional issues.
