BRICS Summit: Amid the anticipation surrounding the potential encounter between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra revealed that the Prime Minister’s schedule for such a meeting is still in the process of being finalized.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his journey to South Africa to participate in the 15th BRICS Summit, speculations have arisen regarding the likelihood of a bilateral discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Outlined Below are the Key Developments in this Significant Narrative (BRICS Summit )
- Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to join the leadership of Brazil, China, Russia, and South Africa in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS Summit. This marks the first in-person summit since 2019, with virtual meetings taking precedence over the past three years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- Addressing inquiries about the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated that the Prime Minister’s schedule is still undergoing refinement. Kwatra expressed a positive outlook and an open mindset towards the expansion of BRICS, emphasizing India’s intentions.
- If realized, a meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping would be their first interaction since the onset of the India-China border standoff in May 2020. Their previous encounter occurred briefly in November of the preceding year, during the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali.
- In his departure for the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi noted that the event presents a valuable opportunity for members to identify future collaborative prospects. He emphasized the platform’s significance in facilitating discussions on matters of concern to the Global South.
- Despite the ongoing three-year standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh’s friction points, diplomatic and military dialogues have led to disengagement at several locations.
- Recent high-level negotiations between India and China yielded positive outcomes, prompting both sides to describe the discussions as productive and comprehensive. These talks were geared towards resolving outstanding issues.
- In a prior instance, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a BRICS nations meeting in Johannesburg. Doval underscored the importance of continuous efforts to fully address the situation and restore tranquility along the border areas.
- Bilateral relations between India and China have faced challenges following a significant clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. This encounter marked the most severe military confrontation between the two nations in decades.
- The two countries engaged in a series of military and diplomatic talks, culminating in the successful disengagement process in 2021 along the north and south banks of Pangong Lake and the Gogra area.
- India asserts that normalizing relations with China hinges on achieving peace in the border regions, emphasizing the paramount importance of stability in these areas.
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