GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, October 23, at the BRICS 2024 Summit held in Russia. This meeting marks the first time in five years between India and China’s leaders, since the two countries have been landlocked in a military standoff since 2020.
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The talks revolved around a significant border agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. During the meeting, PM Modi welcomed the consensus reached on resolving the border issues that have strained relations for the past four years. "Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our priority,” he said. “Our ties are very important not only for our people but also for global peace, stability, and progress."
Modi also emphasised the need for mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity in India-China relations.
President Xi, in his remarks, called for enhanced communication and cooperation between the two Asian countries. "It is important for both sides to have more communication and cooperation, properly handle our differences, and to facilitate each other's development aspirations," he said.
The Chinese president further emphasised the need to "correctly grasp the historical trends" in their bilateral relationship and work towards addressing differences for the fundamental interests of both nations.
The talks also marked an important moment as the two leaders agreed to convene a meeting of the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary issue soon. The significance of the talks was further underscored by the fact that they took place just two days after India announced a truce with China, allowing the resumption of patrolling in disputed areas along the LAC.