Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to engage in a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking their first discussion since the 2020 Galwan clash, during the BRICS summit in Russia on Tuesday, as confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This meeting is expected to highlight the positive developments in India-China relations, particularly following an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, which has encountered several challenges in recent years. In light of the growing speculation regarding the revival of diplomatic ties, Mr. Misri affirmed the scheduled meeting, stating, “I can confirm that there will be a bilateral meeting held between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.” Since the Galwan incident, there have been a few brief exchanges between the two leaders, notably during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022, and at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023.
Both leaders are currently present in Kazan, Russia, where they are joined by Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for the summit.The recent advancement in the patrolling arrangement marks a significant development four years following the Galwan Valley confrontation, indicating a potential shift towards de-escalation in a region where both nations have deployed large contingents of troops. This new arrangement aims to revert to the pre-2020 framework, serving not only to stabilize the situation but also to foster confidence between New Delhi and Beijing. The clash between Indian and Chinese forces in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, occurred during a period of heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control, resulting in casualties on both sides and straining diplomatic relations. Although there has been a gradual process of de-escalation, achieving a return to the status quo prior to the Galwan incident has remained challenging. The repercussions of this conflict extended beyond bilateral relations, contributing to increased tensions in various other domains. For instance, there have been no direct flights between India and China for the past four years, and the issuance of visas for Chinese technicians has been accompanied by additional security measures. Furthermore, investments from companies based in neighboring countries have required thorough vetting and security clearances.
