MODI & XI'S MOMENT

FINAL THAW | Will hold bilateral meeting, the first in five years; China confirms LAC agreement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday on the side-lines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. This will be the first formal meeting between the two leaders in five years.

In a press briefing in Kazan on Tuesday evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the timing of the bilateral will be confirmed later.

The thaw has come four years after the Galwan Valley clash, which had led to palpable tension in bilateral ties. While a gradual de-escalation was effected, a return to the pre-Galwan status had proved elusive.

Result: There had been no direct flight between the two nations for four years. Visas for Chinese technicians were granted after clearing layers of security and investments from companies based in neighbouring countries needed extra vetting and security clearances.