Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia’s Kazan today, marking their first formal bilateral meeting in five years. The meeting takes place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, a day after India confirmed a major agreement on Line of Actual Control (LAC) patrolling with China, aimed at resolving the long-standing border dispute.
This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Modi hosted Xi in Tamil Nadu in 2019. A joint statement is expected to be released following the talks.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed the meeting, adding that both sides have expressed optimism about the agreement. He noted that the new understanding would restore the status quo along the LAC that existed before the standoff began in 2020.
Return to 2020 Status on LAC Patrolling
Misri outlined that the agreement covers key areas of concern regarding patrolling and grazing activities along the disputed border. He emphasized that the next phase involves ensuring ground implementation of these terms to avoid any future border clashes. “We have to focus on disengagement, while de-escalation and troop withdrawal will be discussed when the time is right,” Misri stated.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier confirmed that the agreement resolves key issues that have emerged since the tensions began along the LAC, paving the way for further dialogue.
Beijing’s Positive Response
The Chinese foreign ministry also welcomed the development, stating that China values the progress and will work closely with India to implement the agreement. “Both countries have maintained close communication through diplomatic and military channels to find solutions,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.
This meeting is expected to lay the foundation for further talks on disengagement, de-escalation, and future cooperation between the two Asian powers.
