MODI, XI UNVEIL ROADMAP FOR REVIVING INDIA-CHINA DIALOGUE

Meeting between Special Representatives and revival of foreign minister-level talks on cards

- MANISH CHAND KAZAN (RUSSIA)

In the picturesque Russian city of Kazan, the venue of the 16th BRICS summit, the leaders of India and China ushered in a new chapter in their ties by resuming the dialogue process that was frozen more than four years ago in the wake of the Galwan killings.

The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in five years, saw the two leaders taking a long strategic view of their relationship, with both leaders stressing that better relations between India and China are not only good for the two countries but for the region and the world.

The meeting, held at the BRICS summit venue on October 23, was substantive and lasted for around 45 minutes as the two leaders endorsed the border patrolling agreement, which had paved the way for the diplomatic breakthrough in Kazan.

In his talks with President Xi, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of not allowing differences on boundary-related matters to disturb peace and tranquility on our borders," said India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri after the Modi-Xi talks in Kazan.

The meeting culminated in a roadmap for resuming dialogue, which includes a meeting between Special Representatives of India and China and the revival of foreign minister-level talks.

"In this context, the two leaders noted that the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question have a critical role to play in the resolution of the boundary question and for the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas," said Mr Misri.

The two leaders instructed the SRs to meet at an early date and to continue their efforts in this regard.

The last meeting between SRs was held in December 2019.