New Delhi: The Chinese President is expected to call on India for the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September, reports. If the visit is successful, it will be Xi’s first visit to India in seven years and it will be a significant event for the bilateral relations between the two countries. India is to host a meeting of Brics countries on September 12 and 13.
The visit will follow years of tension between India and China, which are both looking to step up efforts to strengthen ties. The issue of relations took a severe blow after the bloody border skirmishes in 2020. Both countries agreed to disengagement in 2024, but there is a lot of worry about the border situation. A few episodes of friction also occurred on patrol in recent times, in which tensions have not been fully diffused.
Border issue likely to remain the biggest topic
One of the crucial talks to watch closely will be on the border issue with Xi when he visits New Delhi. There is a high probability that the government in New Delhi will not be able to equate a greater degree of freedom in trade and diplomacy with peace along the LAC.
Earlier there are talks ongoing between the senior officials of both countries regarding the boundary dispute. India’s national security adviser Ajit Doval has also been meeting with his Chinese counterpart for ways to resolve differences.
A peace-below-the-borderline and preventing fresh incidents from shaking the improving relationship between the two sides could thus be a major discussion point when PM Modi meets Xi.
Trade and Investment could get a push
Business may also be a significant area. Discussions between India and China have already begun to promote greater trade and investment. Both have also been undertaking considerable efforts to smoothen the flow of visitor traffic and to resume direct flights.
If there are positive signs at the Modi-Xi meeting, the Chinese firms may find opportunities in India. In the mean time, India is keen on keeping a check on the investments by China due to security issues.
More people-to-people contact
The visit may also contribute to further enhance tourism, business trips and cultural exchanges. Some exchanges and pilgrimage opportunities have been agreed to be increased between the two countries, and talks have been held on reviving air communication.
Slowly recover some of the former connections lost during the time of tensions.
But this does not mean India and China become friends
What is most important to note is that Xi’s visit cannot be interpreted as an end to rivalry between India and China.
They will be competing with each other for influence in Asia in the future, and there will be significant variations in the border area and in security throughout the region. The relationship is at present one where cooperation and competition are taking place simultaneously, according to analysts.
But the fact that Xi heads a big official entourage of around 400 officials, which he has brought along, would be an indication that Beijing is intent on a closer engagement with New Delhi.
What could happen next?
What you can expect is a more gradual improvement than a breaking through achievement. India and China may further boost their trade ties, re-establish more ties for travel and regular diplomatic interaction, and would still engage in ongoing talks along the border.
In India, it will be an easy target: enhancing economic opportunities with China while not affecting national security. Beijing’s relationship with India might help to defuse conflicts with a major Asian nation. A closer relationship with India could help ease tensions for Beijing with another key Asian power.
The actual challenge will not be about the welcome ceremony or about the photo opportunity if the visit takes place, but about what actually happens. The moment of testing will come after the leaders’ departure from New Delhi when India and China shall agree what they will do.
