PM Modi and Xi-Jinping in talks at the BRICS Summit, both sides agree upon "Expeditious De-escalation" along the LAC

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi -Jinping who met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, have agreed to work out an amicable way facilitating "expeditious de-escalation" along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), in Ladakh. 

In June 2021, Galwan had erupted in tension as it witnessed the deadliest clash of direct physical confrontation in 45 years, between the Indian and the Chinese troops. At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the face off and 11 rounds of military talks were conducted. It has remained a confrontational zone between the two nations. 

The two leaders have decided to take active steps to curb the existing tensions and prevent it from escalating any further by appointing relevant officials in their respective countries to ensure expeditious disengagement along the LAC. 

"It was a conversation with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister had interaction with other BRICS leaders. In the conversation with President Xi Jinping, the Prime Minister highlighted India's concerns over unresolved issues along the LAC and other areas along the India-China border," said Vinay Kwatra, Foreign Secretary. 

The Foreign Secretary further said that PM Modi laid down the fundamentals for maintaining peace and tranquility in the border zones, stating that both nations must respect the LAC for the normalisation of the highly contested India-China relationship. "In this regard, the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation," added Mr Kwatra. 

The de-escalation process was in the talks even before the commencement of the BRICS Summit. The 19th round of India-China Corps Commander-level meeting was held at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point on the Indian side on August 13-14. It was a positive discussion, and both sides concurred with one another on resolving issues along the LAC. This conversation between the leaders of either side will only reaffirm and ensure speedy de-escalation. 

At the three day BRICS Summit chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, a declaration for an expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism within the UN framework was unveiled by the leaders in attendance. "We are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens," the declaration said. "We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group", read the declaration.