Modi-Xi Meeting Likely at New Delhi BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12, as India and China continue efforts to stabilise relations after years of border tensions. The proposed meeting had not been formally confirmed by both governments at the time of reporting.
Modi-Xi Talks Likely During BRICS Summit
Xi is expected to travel to New Delhi for the September 12-13 BRICS Leaders’ Summit, marking his first visit to India since 2019.
If the bilateral takes place, it would be the first Modi-Xi meeting on Indian soil since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. However, the two leaders have held bilateral talks outside India since then.
The expected meeting comes amid a gradual diplomatic thaw following years of strained relations between the two Asian powers.
LAC and Border Stability Expected on Agenda
The Line of Actual Control is expected to be a key focus as both sides seek to maintain peace following troop disengagement at several friction points.
Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers were killed in the June 2020 Galwan clash, triggering a prolonged deterioration in diplomatic and economic relations.
Although some border tensions have eased through military and diplomatic negotiations, the wider India-China boundary dispute remains unresolved.
India-China Trade Ties Could Also Feature
Trade, investment restrictions, market access and people-to-people exchanges could also feature in the talks.
Despite the diplomatic improvement, economic relations remain complicated by regulatory restrictions, visa issues and concerns over investment and technology.
The meeting would take place as India hosts leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping in New Delhi, with trade, global governance, technology and economic cooperation expected to feature prominently at the summit.
