Modi and Xi Engage in Dialogue Following Border Agreement Between India and China

International news section 28-10-2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held their first formal meeting in five years, signaling an improvement in the strained relations between the two countries. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, just days after India and China reached a new agreement to address a long-standing military standoff along their contested Himalayan border.

This significant meeting occurred in the backdrop of ongoing efforts to mend ties, following the deadly border clashes of 2020. The conflict, which took place in the Ladakh region of the western Himalayas, resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and 4 Chinese soldiers. The skirmishes escalated tensions between New Delhi and Beijing, prompting both nations to bolster their military presence along the disputed frontier.

During the BRICS summit, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, standing before their respective national flags, emphasized the need for careful management of their countries’ differences. Xi highlighted the crucial stage both nations find themselves in regarding their development and urged for a measured approach in handling bilateral disagreements. He stressed the importance of the two countries supporting each other’s development goals while playing a responsible role in global leadership.

Xi remarked, “China and India are at a pivotal moment in their national development and must address differences thoughtfully. Both nations should also contribute to strengthening the unity and influence of developing countries and support the movement toward a more multipolar, democratic international order.”

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri echoed these sentiments, stating that the leaders reaffirmed the importance of stable and friendly bilateral relations. Misri highlighted that the relationship between India and China, as the world’s two largest and neighboring countries, holds the potential to positively influence both regional and global stability and prosperity.

The recent agreement between the two nations aims to de-escalate military tensions along the disputed border. Although details of the accord remain scarce, the pact appears to focus on regulating military patrols along key sections of the frontier. This agreement comes after months of heightened diplomatic engagement, with both countries’ foreign ministers meeting in July to accelerate talks aimed at reducing border tensions.

The road to reconciliation has been slow. Prior to the BRICS summit, Modi and Xi had not held formal talks since their 2019 meeting in Mamallapuram, India. While they briefly interacted at international gatherings such as the G20 summit in Bali in 2022 and the BRICS summit in Johannesburg last year, formal negotiations had stalled. Xi’s absence from the G20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023 further illustrated the strain in relations.

The 2020 border clash had far-reaching consequences, including New Delhi’s increased scrutiny of Chinese investments and restricted travel between the two countries. India imposed stricter regulations on Chinese businesses and limited visa issuance to Chinese nationals, further complicating ties. While diplomatic efforts have gained momentum in recent months, the challenges posed by the unresolved border issues remain a persistent obstacle in fully normalizing relations.

The border dispute between India and China is deeply rooted, with tensions simmering since the 1962 border war. China lays claim to India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, considering it part of its Tibet region. The territorial dispute has fueled periodic clashes, complicating efforts at reconciliation and mutual understanding.

The recent dialogue between Modi and Xi, combined with the new border agreement, suggests that both nations are keen on easing tensions and finding common ground. However, it remains to be seen whether this agreement will pave the way for a lasting resolution to their border issues or if further diplomatic engagement will be required to ensure lasting peace.