After the contentious issue of Galwan between the two countries, Modi and Xi engage in a candid conversation on pressing issues. Narratives by both the parties are significantly different.
The BRICS Leaders’ Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 22-24, where Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met being a part of the BRICS. There was speculation on whether Indian Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet or not.
The two leaders met on August 23rd, and a press release took place on August 24th, where both the countries presented a different narrative.
According to the Chinese narrative, Modi had requested the meeting, to which the Indian response served as a reminder to the pending Chinese request for the same, bilaterally.
Indian Stance
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra briefed the journalists of the meeting, where he tries to reduce the tension by the way of delivery of the speech, confirming that the two leaders met at the sidelines of the summit. Modi strengthened the importance and need for peace and tranquillity for the unresolved conflicts about the LAC, and how concerned India is about it. Respecting the LAC is crucial for normalising and stabilising bilateral relations.
Chinese Stance
China’s statement differs significantly from that of India.
The Chinese narrative was released on their Foreign Ministry website, in a Q&A format. Both parties should consider the broader interests of their bilateral relations and effectively manage the border matter to collaboratively ensure peace and serenity in the border region.
Subsequently, during a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin restated the paragraph that had been released earlier in the day. He then re-emphasised China’s position to be steadfast and transparent on the boundary conflict, and that the entirety of the bilateral relations isn’t dependent on that. It is a historical issue, and hence must be placed appropriately, seeking “ fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement through peaceful and friendly consultations”.
Until the boundary issue is resolved, both nations must collaboratively ensure the preservation of peace and serenity in the border regions. We aspire to collaborate with India in implementing the significant shared understandings between our leaders, enhancing strategic mutual confidence, emphasising our agreements and cooperation, eliminating disruptions and challenges, and propelling bilateral relations on a path of stability and strength.
Apart from that, Beijing reiterated its stance of maintaining a clear distinction between the border matter and the broader bilateral relations. This underscores the notion that the border dispute should not cast adverse effects on the overall bilateral ties.
The two leaders asked their relevant officials to accelerate efforts towards rapid disengagement and reduction of tensions. They also had a candid exchange of words on the LAC issue.
These consistent extra efforts are gearing up towards the upcoming ASEAN summit in Jakarta, from September 5-7, and the G20 summit in New Delhi, on September 9-10, where both leaders will likely be present.
This was their first meeting since the standoff began in May 2020, apart from a brief exchange of pleasantries in Bali, November 2022 for the G20 summit dinner.
