An iconic gathering is set to unfold in Kazan, Russia, where global eyes, including those from America, are focused. For the first time in five years, the leaders of two Asian powerhouses will engage in formal dialogue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China's President Xi Jinping are meeting in a bilateral discussion amidst global unrest and ongoing conflicts. This meeting holds significant importance. Their last encounter was at the BRICS Summit in Brazil in 2019, and now in 2024, they will meet again at the BRICS conference.
Foreign Secretary Confirms Meeting
India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, confirmed the bilateral dialogue at a press conference in Kazan, Russia. He stated the meeting between the two leaders is slated for October 23 during the BRICS Summit. However, the exact timing will be finalized on Wednesday.
A Strong Response to 'Five Eyes'
Canada has been accusing India of baseless charges, with support from several 'Five Eyes' countries, including America. This meeting between Jinping and Modi is viewed as a robust response to the group. If relations with China improve, India's reliance on Western nations may significantly decrease.
Source: aajtak
Patrolling Resumes
A new consensus regarding patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh has been reached between India and China, facilitating this meeting. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China are committed to withdrawing forces from areas like Demchok and Depsang and will resume regular patrolling. The process of troop withdrawal will commence shortly.
China's Agreement on Military Accord
China also confirmed its military agreement with India to ease tensions along the LAC on Tuesday. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman stated, 'A resolution on the relevant issues has been reached, and we will work with New Delhi to implement these proposals.'
Four Years of Tensions
The standoff between Indian and Chinese forces has persisted since May 2020, with no complete resolution of the border dispute. Both sides have retreated from several points of conflict. On June 15-16, 2020, in the Galwan Valley, Eastern Ladakh, troops from both nations engaged in a violent clash, resulting in the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers and over 40 Chinese deaths. However, the People’s Liberation Army has not officially confirmed the losses of their troops.
Demchok and Depsang Disputes
The clash in Galwan significantly escalated tensions along the LAC. Both countries heavily militarized the area and suspended patrolling, with Demchok and Depsang emerging as major points of conflict.
