Modi and Xi Jinping Meet Amidst Tensions: A New Chapter in India-China Relations?

Tensions on the India-China Border

The two most populous nations in the world, both possessing significant military capabilities, have been facing off along their long-disputed border for weeks. Since May 5, 2020, confrontations between Chinese and Indian troops have occurred at various locations along the China-India border, particularly near the contentious Pangong Lake in Ladakh and the border area between Sikkim and Tibet. Clashes have also been reported at multiple points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Escalation of Conflict

At the end of May, the Chinese military raised objections to Indian road construction in the Galwan Valley. According to Indian sources, a violent encounter on June 15-16, 2020, resulted in casualties on both sides. Reports indicated that soldiers from both nations were taken captive and later released, although official sources from both sides denied this. On September 7, for the first time in 45 years, shots were fired along the LAC, with both sides blaming each other for the incident. Indian media also reported that Indian troops fired warning shots at the PLA on August 30.

A Significant Meeting in Tianjin

Nearly seven years later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin. This marked Modi's first visit to China since the Galwan clash, which severely strained bilateral relations during the 2020-2021 skirmishes. This meeting is viewed as an attempt to restore ties between the two Asian giants, who have oscillated between dialogue and confrontation. Following the meeting, Modi extended an invitation to Xi to attend the BRICS summit in India in 2026, to which Xi expressed gratitude and offered full support for India's presidency.

Future Discussions and Concerns

A crucial question arises regarding whether new dimensions will emerge from the discussions in Tianjin. This meeting reflects the complex history of Modi-Xi relations, which encompasses cultural connections and military confrontations as both nations seek a path forward. Has the Modi government forgotten the events that transpired in the Galwan Valley?

Following the meeting between Modi and Xi, the Congress party criticized the central government, questioning whether the 'new normal' should be defined by China's aggression and the government's perceived cowardice. They raised concerns about whether the Modi administration's push for reconciliation with China legitimizes its regional aggression. Modi stated his commitment to advancing relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.

Congress Criticism

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh took to social media to assess the meeting in light of the June 2020 aggression in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. He criticized Modi for allegedly giving China a 'clean chit' on June 19, 2020, despite the military's call for a complete restoration of the status quo along the border. Ramesh argued that despite failing to achieve this, the Modi government has taken steps toward reconciliation with China, indirectly legitimizing its aggression in the region.

He also referenced comments made by Lieutenant General Rahul Singh regarding China's collaboration with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, suggesting that instead of responding decisively, the Modi government has passively accepted this alliance and is now rewarding China with state visits. Ramesh highlighted China's announcement of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which could have serious implications for India's northeastern states, yet the Modi government has remained silent on the issue.

Ramesh claimed that uncontrolled 'dumping' of Chinese imports continues to severely impact India's MSME sector, arguing that instead of taking stringent measures like other countries, India has granted Chinese importers almost free rein.