At the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, a significant moment unfolded during an informal dinner, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm interaction with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This gathering showcased a sense of camaraderie among the leaders, particularly at a time when India and China had just resolved a prolonged military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through an agreement on “patrolling arrangements.”
The summit highlighted not only the warming ties between India and China but also the strengthening bond between China and Russia, which has grown notably closer in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Visuals from the summit depicted a friendly exchange between Modi and Putin, underscoring their close relationship, with a handshake and a hug.
A breakthrough moment is expected during a planned bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, according to India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This meeting is seen as a critical step toward ending the four-year military standoff between India and China, which began with the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, the most severe conflict between the two countries in decades.
President Putin’s seating between Modi and Xi during the gala dinner further emphasized the diplomatic proximity among these three leaders, signaling a shift towards closer relations. Modi and Xi’s last structured dialogue took place in October 2019, before the LAC tensions escalated. The recent agreement on patrolling arrangements was the result of extensive diplomatic and military talks, including meetings between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as well as discussions involving India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
These developments indicate a diplomatic thaw between India and China while showcasing Russia’s role in fostering closer ties among the BRICS nations.
