Eight months after their meeting on the side lines of the G20 summit in Bali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have been confirmed to have engaged in discussions on the need to stabilize bilateral relations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made this revelation in response to China’s recent claim of an “important consensus” reached during the G20 interaction.
According to MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, the conversation between the two leaders took place last November at the conclusion of a dinner hosted by the Indonesian President. During this informal exchange, PM Modi and President Xi exchanged pleasantries and discussed the urgency of stabilizing the India-China relationship. Bagchi emphasized that resolving the issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the boundary and restoring peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained a crucial goal for overall resolution.
The meeting in Bali was significant as it marked the first public interaction between the leaders since the border standoff began in May 2020. Following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, tensions between India and China escalated considerably, leading to an extended standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh.
However, efforts to deescalate tensions have seen some success, with disengagement taking place in several areas as a result of extensive diplomatic and military talks. Despite the progress made, the situation remains complex, and both nations continue to address the remaining points of contention.
Regarding the upcoming G20 summit in Delhi, when questioned about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s attendance, Bagchi reassured that India is making all the necessary preparations for the successful participation of all invited leaders.
The confirmation of the discussions in Bali signifies a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and find common ground to stabilize the bilateral relationship. As India and China continue to work towards resolving their differences, the world watches closely, hoping for an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding between the two Asian giants.
