Months in making, Putin’s initiative: How Modi-Xi meeting at BRICS came to reality

New Delhi: The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to be held later in the day at the ongoing BRICS Summit in Russia was months in the making following an initiative by Vladimir Putin to improve the ties between India and China.

According to TV9 sources, Russia urged India and China to mend their relations, which took a nosedive due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020, during the various rounds of meetings held at various BRICS events in the past and during the ongoing summit in Kazan.

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However, the groundwork for the meeting had been laid earlier this year after PM Modi took oath of office for a third term following the Lok Sabha elections. His government made the strategic decision to improve relations with China.

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This shift comes amidst a backdrop of high-level meetings and diplomatic initiatives aimed at easing tensions between the two nations. In July, during a meeting in Astana, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi advanced discussions to enhance bilateral ties. Following this, on July 25 in Laos, the foreign ministers of both countries agreed to work toward a meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

High-level meetings in past paved way for Modi-Xi meeting

On September 12, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang finalised arrangements for further dialogues, reinforcing the commitment to strengthen ties.

In preparation for the upcoming meeting between Modi and Jinping, several positive developments have contributed to a more favourable atmosphere. China sent its new ambassador, Xu Feihong, to India, who arrived in Delhi in May 2024.

Upon his arrival, he made numerous positive statements about India and has actively engaged in various diplomatic activities. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also recently mentioned that more than 75% of the issues arising from the border dispute in Galwan have been resolved since the clashes.

NSA Ajit Doval stressed to the Chinese foreign minister that peace and stability at the border are essential prerequisites for normalizing relations between the two countries.

Additionally, the Chinese foreign ministry and media have consistently issued statements praising India, reflecting a desire to enhance bilateral relations. Efforts have also been made to ease restrictions related to visas and trade, facilitating smoother interactions between the two nations.