India-China bilateral talks: Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping to meet on sidelines of BRICS Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in Russia for the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. He and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold their first bilateral meeting in five years, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

The highly anticipated bilateral on the sidelines of BRICS Summit – hosted from October 22 to 24 – marks another significant upturn in India-China relations after a consensus reached recently on patrolling arrangements along the line of actual control.

India-China bilateral relations since Ladakh border clash

Ever since the 2020 Ladakh border clash, the Indian and Chinese leaders had only brief interactions a couple of times – on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022 and last year’s BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

In the 2020 face-off, Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Ladakh, triggering a significant standoff along the border. Both sides sustained casualties and the India-China bilateral relations soured, according to a report in NDTV.

India and China held a series of military and diplomatic talks in the last 2 years. Later on, the troops disengaged from several friction points. In the latest development, the neighbouring countries have reached a significant patrolling arrangement deal.

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Narendra Modi’s statements at BRICS 2024 Summit

1. During the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Indian PM Modi called for a “single-minded focus” and “firm support” from all countries in the fight against terrorism. He also highlighted the need to take active steps to prevent the radicalisation of youth.

2. Modi noted that India is fully committed to increasing cooperation under BRICS. “Our belief in our diversity and multipolarity is our strength,” the Prime Minister added, committing the country’s support to Brazil as it is set to take on the BRICS presidency.