Breakthrough in Border Talks: Are PM Modi and Xi Ready for a Meeting at BRICS? China Responds

Beijing: China's Foreign Ministry on Monday avoided addressing questions about a potential meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia this week.

"We will keep you posted if anything comes up," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in response to a question at a media briefing.

Both Modi and Xi are set to attend the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, which will starts on Tuesday.

Ahead of Modi's visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced in New Delhi on Monday that Indian and Chinese negotiators have reached an agreement on patrolling the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

There was no response from Beijing regarding the agreement announced by Misri.

Relations between India and China sharply deteriorated following a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, marking the most serious military conflict between the two nations in decades.

Last Friday, China announced that Xi will attend the BRICS Summit, where he aims to collaborate with other nations to usher in a new era for the Global South, seeking solidarity-based strength.

BRICS Membership Expands

BRICS originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have recently been admitted as new members.

This year's Summit theme is "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security."

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Xi’s Agenda at the Summit

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Xi will participate in both small and large group meetings, engage in the BRICS Plus Dialogue, and deliver key speeches.

Xi will also engage in in-depth discussions with other leaders on issues such as the international situation, BRICS cooperation, the future of the BRICS mechanism, and other important matters of shared interest, she added.

"China stands ready to work with other parties to strive for the steady and sustained development of greater BRICS cooperation, open a new era for the Global South to seek strength through solidarity, and jointly promote world peace and development," Mao said.

(With PTI inputs)