During their conversation in Kazan, Russia, Xi urged both nations to support each other's development ambitions, stressing the need for enhanced communication, cooperation, and effective management of differences, according to Xinhua News Agency.
This marks the first bilateral meeting between the leaders since 2019, when they met in Chennai at the second informal India-China summit. Their initial informal meeting took place in Wuhan in April 2018. In 2023, Xi and Modi also spoke at the BRICS summit in South Africa at Modi's request.
Lin Minwang, deputy director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, noted that the meeting signals a recovery in China-India relations, as resolutions have been reached regarding border issues that previously obstructed bilateral ties.
"China acknowledges the recent progress on border matters achieved through diplomatic and military channels and will continue to collaborate with India to ensure effective implementation of these resolutions," said Lin Jian, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, during a press conference.
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, emphasized that the meeting highlights BRICS as an important platform for emerging economies to diplomatically address sensitive issues and restore damaged relations.
As the world transitions toward multipolarity, China and India are crucial players. If they manage their differences effectively and build mutual trust, they could significantly influence reforms to the existing international order, which is often dominated by Western unilateralism and US hegemony, Li noted.
Lin Minwang pointed out that Indian policymakers are beginning to recognize the mistakes of the past four years in trying to decouple from China in favor of U.S. support, advocating for a shift in strategy.
"India's decoupling policy has not garnered substantial backing from the U.S.-led West to enhance 'Made in India' initiatives or support its modernization. This shows that hostility toward China is hindering India's own development," he stated.
Additionally, the Modi administration may now see the U.S. as uncertain and unreliable, particularly with potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy following the upcoming presidential election. Experts suggest India must act proactively to minimize risks.
