BRICS Summit Live | Modi, Xi endorse LAC pact, okay resumption of bilateral talks
Modi and Xi instructed the special representatives to meet at an early date and continue their efforts
In their much-anticipated first structured bilateral talks in nearly five years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday (October 23) agreed that India and China can have a “peaceful and stable” relationship by displaying maturity and mutual respect.
The leaders endorsed the pact on the resolution of the dragging eastern Ladakh border row and noted that the special representatives on the India-China boundary question have a critical role to play in the resolution of the issue and for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas.
In the meeting held on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in Russia’s Kazan, Modi underscored the need to not allow differences on boundary-related matters to disturb peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Modi and Xi instructed the special representatives to meet at an early date and continue their efforts, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a media briefing. “We hope to schedule the next meeting of Special Representatives at an appropriate date,” he said.
Officials will now take the next steps to discuss enhancing strategic communication and stabilising bilateral relations by utilising official dialogue mechanisms, he said.
Modi renews call for dialogue and diplomacy
In his address at the 16th BRICS Summit, Modi on Wednesday renewed his call for dialogue and diplomacy as being the only way forward to resolve conflicts, in an unambiguous message to press for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war through peaceful negotiations.
Modi also said the grouping must give the world a message that it is not a divisive organisation, but one that works in the interest of humanity. The prime minister flagged concerns over pressing challenges such as wars, economic uncertainty, climate change and terrorism and said the BRICS can play a positive role to take the world in the right path.
“I believe that as a diverse and inclusive platform, BRICS can play a positive role in all areas,” he said.
“We support dialogue and diplomacy, not war. And just as we were able to overcome a challenge like COVID together, we are certainly able to create new opportunities to ensure a secure, strong and prosperous future for future generations,” he said.
Modi assures support to Putin
During bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (October 22), Modi assured him to provide all possible cooperation to find a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He also apprised Putin about his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Indian side also pressed Russia for early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals recruited as support staff in the Russian military.
In his televised opening remarks, the prime minister conveyed to the Russian leader that New Delhi “fully supports” the early return of peace and stability in the region.
Modi also said that his second visit to Russia in the last three months reflected “close” coordination and “deep trust” between the two countries.
India’s role in de-escalating conflict in West Asia
On the first day of the summit, Modi also met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who emphasised the need for peace in West Asia and the role that India could play in de-escalating the conflict given its good relations with all the parties, amid heightened tension between Iran and Israel.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
“Had a very good meeting with the President of Iran, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian. We reviewed the full range of relations between our countries. We also discussed ways to deepen ties in futuristic sectors,” Modi wrote on X
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Live Updates
- 22 Oct 2024 5:00 PM GMT
PM Modi, Xi to hold bilateral meeting tomorrow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a bilateral meeting during the BRICS summit on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a media briefing.
- 22 Oct 2024 3:20 PM GMT
Xi, Putin hold bilateral talks
Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed his country’s ties with Russia as he met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit in Kazan.
“The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, and the international situation is chaotic and intertwined,” Xi told Putin, praising the “profound friendship” between their two countries.
China and Russia “have continuously deepened and expanded comprehensive strategic coordination and practical cooperation”, Xi said. - 22 Oct 2024 12:55 PM GMT
Russian Krishna devotees welcome Modi with bhajan
A Sanskrit welcome song, a Russian dance, and Krishna Bhajan by ISKCON devotees welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan on Tuesday.
At the Hotel Korston, Modi was greeted by the Indian diaspora, holding the Indian tricolour and chanting slogans. Many were seen clicking selfies with their mobile phones.
As the prime minister shook hands with some of them, they sang a cheerful welcome song in Sanskrit.
A team of Russian artists, dressed in traditional Indian attire, presented a Russian dance as Modi watched it with keen interest.
Some devotees of the ISKCON movement sang Krishna bhajan to the beats of clapping as Modi witnessed it with folded hands.
At the airport, PM Mod was received by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.
Modi was offered traditional Tatar sweets by local representatives standing in their traditional dresses to welcome the heads of the state.
- 22 Oct 2024 11:32 AM GMT
Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved peacefully: Modi
The Russia-Ukraine conflict should be resolved in a peaceful manner, and India is ready to provide all possible cooperation towards it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
In his televised opening remarks, the prime minister conveyed to the Russian leader that New Delhi “fully supports” the early return of peace and stability in the region.
Modi also said that his second visit to Russia in the last three months reflected “close” coordination and deep trust between the two countries.
“We are in constant touch on the issue of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As I said earlier, we believe that problems should be resolved in a peaceful manner,” the prime minister said.
“We fully support the early return of peace and stability. All our efforts give priority to humanity. India is ready to provide all possible cooperation in times to come,” he said.
The prime minister also referred to his summit talks with Putin in Moscow in July. “Our annual summit resulted in strengthening cooperation in every field,” he said.
Modi congratulated Putin on Russia’s successful presidency of BRICS and said many countries want to join the grouping now.
