Vikrant Shekhawat : Sep 13, 2024, 10:20 AM
India-China Relation: The BRICS summit to be held from October 22 to 24 in Kazan, Russia, is emerging as an important diplomatic occasion. The summit is likely to witness important talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This will be the first time the two leaders will communicate directly, especially since there has been no direct conversation between them since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.Galwan Valley clash: A contextThe clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 had put a major rift in India-China relations. 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in this conflict, and many more Chinese soldiers died. Subsequently, despite more than three dozen military and diplomatic talks, there were no direct talks between Modi and Jinping, deepening the mistrust between the two countries. The ongoing tension on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has thwarted attempts at normalization.Direction of diplomatic effortsThe recent meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in St. Petersburg on September 12 can be considered a positive step in this direction. Doval stressed the need for peace and stability on the LAC, while Wang Yi spoke of enhancing strategic trust. The meeting indicated that both sides are willing to resolve the border dispute even if challenges remain in the broader relationship.Additionally, the meeting between India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Wang Yi in Vientiane on July 25 also took important steps towards stabilizing bilateral relations. The two leaders discussed resolving mutual issues on the LAC and agreed on measures necessary to reduce tensions.Russia's mediating roleRussia, which is hosting the BRICS summit, can play an important role in facilitating a potential meeting between Modi and Jinping. Russia has strong ties with both India and China and has established itself as a neutral party. President Vladimir Putin enjoys a close relationship with Prime Minister Modi and President Xi, and may use the BRICS summit as an opportunity to encourage India-China dialogue.Russia's priorities also reflect an interest in normalising India-China relations. Amid rising tensions with the West, Russia is keen to strengthen the BRICS alliance, and an India-China pact could enhance BRICS unity and global standing. Russia could present itself as a neutral platform that could help enhance cooperation between the two countries.BRICS Summit: A New BeginningThe BRICS summit in Kazan offers a unique opportunity to reset India-China ties. The summit, the first since the expansion of BRICS, will provide an ideal platform for Modi and Xi to discuss key issues such as border security, economic cooperation and regional stability. If the meeting takes place, it will be the first direct dialogue between the two leaders since 2020 and could signal a significant shift in bilateral ties.The meeting between Modi and Jinping during the BRICS summit can prove to be an important step towards improving India-China relations, and it can also provide a new direction in global diplomacy.