Wed Oct 23 10:27:30 UTC 2024: **Summary of News Article:**
– **Bilateral Talks:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to hold their first formal meeting in five years during the 16th Brics Summit in Kazan, Russia. The meeting will occur from 4:10 to 5:10 PM IST.
– **Recent Development:** This meeting follows a recent agreement between India and China to resume patrolling in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, signaling a potential end to a four-year military standoff.
– **Background:** The relationship between India and China has deteriorated significantly since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, with India accusing China of occupying 1,000 sq km of its territory.
– **Foreign Secretary Insights:** Vikram Misri stated that the immediate focus is on disengagement and the eventual de-escalation of troops. He confirmed the bilateral meeting, but did not initially disclose the timing.
– **Chinese Confirmation:** Hours prior to the press conference, the Chinese government also acknowledged the border truce and expressed willingness to work with India on the resolutions.
– **Previous Interactions:** Modi and Xi briefly interacted in August 2023 during the 15th Brics Summit and at a G20 leaders’ dinner in November 2022, but this marks their first formal discussion since 2019.
– **Other Meetings:** During his time in Kazan, PM Modi also held bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing cooperation for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, focusing on strengthening ties in sectors like Chabahar Port.
– **Iran Visit:** Pezeshkian accepted an invitation from Modi to visit India soon, highlighting the importance of India’s role in regional and international affairs.
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