On October 23, 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a significant bilateral meeting during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's summit in Kazan, Russia. The discussions focused on restoring peace along the contentious 3,000 km border between India and China.
India's Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, reported that both nations reached a broad consensus aimed at ensuring mutual security. The new agreement facilitates the resumption of Indian patrols in critical areas such as Depsang and Demchok, which have been flashpoints during previous tensions.
This development is viewed as a confidence-building measure that may reduce military friction and pave the way for future discussions on de-escalation. Although the agreement does not signify full disengagement, it represents a willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue.
The backdrop of this meeting includes India's evolving geopolitical stance. With increasing disillusionment with Western allies and a need for Chinese investments, India appears to be recalibrating its foreign relations. Economic interdependencies, particularly in technology and pharmaceuticals, underscore the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship with China.
Recent tensions between India and the West, particularly over India's stance on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and allegations of Indian involvement in political assassinations in Canada, have further complicated India's diplomatic landscape. In contrast, China's recent moves to allow Indian investments signal a potential thaw in relations.
Experts suggest that the meeting between Modi and Xi may signal a shift towards a more pragmatic approach in addressing longstanding disputes, with economic cooperation potentially serving as a foundation for improved political relations.