Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal discussions in five years on Wednesday, signalling a possible improvement in relations between the two Asian powers. This conversation follows a period of heightened tensions caused by a fatal military clash in 2020. 

The bilateral discussions between PM Modi and Xi Jinping took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. This meeting also follows the announcement of an important border patrolling agreement made earlier this week, which is anticipated to help resolve the five-year-long border standoff between India and China.

During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi expressed the significance of the India-China relationship for both nations and global stability, emphasising that it was their first formal meeting in five years. He welcomed the consensus on recent border issues and highlighted the importance of prioritising peace and stability along the border. PM Modi stressed that mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity should underpin their relations moving forward.

"We welcome the consensus reached on the issues that have arisen in the last 4 years on the border. Maintaining peace and stability on the border should remain our priority. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity should remain the basis of our relations," said PM Modi. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed on the need for increased communication and cooperation between India and China. He highlighted the importance of addressing differences constructively and supporting each other's development goals. Xi also underscored the responsibility of both nations to set an example for developing countries and contribute to promoting multipolarity and democracy in international relations.

"Important For Both Sides To Handle Disagreements. It's important for both sides to have more communication and cooperation, properly handle our differences and disagreements, and to facilitate each other's pursuit of development aspirations," said Jinping.

PM Modi tweeted about his meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Kazan BRICS Summit, stating that India-China relations are crucial for the people of both countries as well as for regional and global peace and stability. 

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that both leaders have directed their Special Representatives to meet soon and continue their efforts. He noted that India’s Special Representative, Ajit Doval, who is also the National Security Advisor, and China’s Special Representative, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have previously met on the sidelines of international events, but have not held talks in this format since December 2019. Following today's discussions, there is hope to arrange the next round of talks between the Special Representatives at an appropriate time.