India-China LAC Agreement Paves Way for Potential Modi-Xi Meeting

Former Indian Ambassador Gautam Bambawale highlights the recent India-China border patrolling agreement as a potential catalyst for a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping at the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan. This development marks a strategic step towards mending ties strained since 2020.

In a significant diplomatic move, former Indian Ambassador to China, Bhutan, and Pakistan, Gautam Bambawale, emphasized that the recent agreement on border patrolling between India and China unlocks the possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Bambawale classified the probability of such a meeting as "very high," considering the discussions took place without any Russian involvement.

Bambawale remarked, "Although the Russians likely played no role, the agreement was a product of delicate negotiations solely between India and China." Expressing a cautious optimism about restoring damaged relations post-2020, he added, "The ice-breaking meeting, if it occurs, won't instantly restore warmth but sets the groundwork for gradual recovery." He noted that the arrangement hints at China's willingness to return to pre-2020 dynamics, impacting sectors like trade and investment.

Further chiming in on the geopolitical implications, Bambawale highlighted the strengthening effect this could have on the BRICS coalition, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that dialogue on the Line of Actual Control had led to crucial resolutions. Misri noted, "The last few weeks of diplomatic and military talks have facilitated disengagement actions, moving toward resolving issues lingering since 2020," marking an end to tensions in eastern Ladakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)