Thaw In India-China Ties? PM Modi, Xi Jinping Interact, Shake Hands On The Sidelines Of SCO Summit In Kyrgyzstan

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to attend the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, interacted with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday (local time).

While it remains unclear what the two leaders discussed, a video of their interaction was posted on social media, signalling a thaw in relations between the two countries.

Quick answers to key questions

.5 QUESTIONS1What was the significance of the handshake between PM Modi and Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit?⌵

The handshake between PM Modi and Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit signifies a potential thaw in India-China relations, representing a moment of personal diplomacy between the leaders.

2Why did PM Modi invite Xi Jinping to the upcoming BRICS Summit?⌵

PM Modi invited Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit to foster cooperation and support between the two countries, highlighting India's presidency of BRICS as an opportunity for closer ties.

3How has the relationship between India and China evolved since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash?⌵

Since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China have taken measures to improve their relations, including interactions at key international summits like the SCO.

4What role do multilateral forums like SCO and BRICS play in India-China relations?⌵

Multilateral forums like SCO and BRICS provide platforms for India and China to engage and deepen cooperation on shared interests, reflecting a commitment to resolving differences.

5Should India and China continue to engage at international summits for improving bilateral ties?⌵

Yes, continued engagement at international summits is crucial for India and China to improve bilateral ties, as it allows for direct interactions to address differences and pursue common interests.

PM Modi, Xi Jinping display bonhomie

Before the two leaders joined others for a family photograph at the 26th SCO Summit, PM Modi and Xi Jinping were seen shaking hands, marking a rare moment of personal diplomacy between the two neighbours. As cameras focused on Bishkek's Yrys Ordo Congress Hall, Russian President Vladimir Putin also joined the interaction between Modi and Xi.

According to news agency ANI, the development comes months after PM Modi invited Xi Jinping to attend the BRICS Summit that India will host later this month. Offering Beijing's support to New Delhi's BRICS presidency, Xi thanked PM Modi for the invitation.

Meanwhile, CGTN journalist Zhao Yunfei said on Tuesday that India and China should make greater use of multilateral forums such as the SCO and BRICS to deepen engagement and advance their shared interests.

He spoke about India-China ties and the upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi, adding that the two multilateral platforms could provide opportunities for the leaders of both countries to meet and engage.

Zhao said,“I think it has created multiple occasions for the two presidents to get a chance to meet. This would be really good for the relationship between China and India because we are neighbouring countries. China has always attached importance to its neighbours because we are neighbours, and then we have to settle all the differences as well as pursue the common ground altogether to pursue the common wealth of the people in the region.”

Also Read | PM Modi tells Putin: 'Every day of war sets humanity back' Thaw in India-China ties?

The interaction between the two leaders comes days after India's National Security Advisor (NSA) and Special Representative for the India-China Boundary Question, Ajit Doval, visited China to attend the Special Representatives' talks on the India-China boundary issue with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Doval, who was in Beijing on 24 and 25 August, also met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. In a social media post, the Indian Embassy said Doval and Han exchanged views on maintaining peace and stability along the border and deepening bilateral ties across economic, political and multilateral spheres. The talks followed the understanding reached between the leaders of India and China.

Also Read | NSA Doval meets Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing: What we know

Relations between New Delhi and Beijing were strained after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh. However, since then, both sides have taken measures to improve their relations. In an effort to ease tensions, PM Modi and Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of key international summits, including the SCO Summit in 2025 in Tianjin. Before that, they met in 2024 on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Kazan, where they reaffirmed that India and China were development partners rather than rivals.

(with agency inputs)

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