Modi-Xi meet at BRICS: India, China leaders begin talks amid push to reset ties

New Delhi (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened Saturday on the margins of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, marking an attempt by the two countries to mend ties fractured by a lethal border skirmish six years prior. The bilateral encounter represents the latest effort by the perennial adversaries to reconcile after a severe border clash in 2020 claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops in the desolate Ladakh region.

Xi emphasized that China has adopted a "strategic and long-term perspective" in relations with India, advocating for the two nations to capitalize on each other's strengths, back one another, and strive for shared growth. He also advocated for "high-quality cooperation" between India and China, urging both countries to foster a more multipolar world and bolster global peace and stability.

Modi expressed gratitude to Xi for China's support in hosting the summit, noting that China will host the BRICS gathering next year. The leaders' discussions occurred in China during Modi's visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization last year, marking Xi's first visit to India since 2019. The meeting signifies another step towards a cautious détente between the rival neighbors, following a deadly border clash six years ago that precipitated a long-standing stand-off.

The two nuclear-armed powers still contest certain sections of their border, and India's substantial trade deficit with China, prohibitive restrictions on Chinese investment and technology, and competing strategic interests in Asia continue to strain relations. India has considerably augmented its military infrastructure along its disputed frontier with China, while Beijing has constructed roads and defensive installations on its side of the contested border.

The visit of Xi is anticipated to determine whether the recent thaw can materialize into a broader stabilization of ties. Despite their economies' substantial expansion since the 1962 war, China has significantly surpassed India, running a sizeable trade surplus with its neighbor. The burgeoning economic rivalry has intensified existing territorial and strategic differences.

India has tapped into China's escalating labor costs and strained ties with the United States and Europe to position itself as an alternative manufacturing hub and has strongly opposed China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, India's growing strategic partnership with the U.S. has raised concerns in Beijing, which views this relationship as part of efforts to counter China's ascension.