In a significant development for India-China relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting in Kazan, Russia, which China described as carrying "great significance." The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that the discussions led to "important common understandings" aimed at enhancing bilateral ties.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian noted that both leaders agreed to approach their relationship with a strategic and long-term perspective. He stated that China is committed to working with India to manage their relations effectively, build mutual trust, and address differences constructively.

The meeting, which took place during the BRICS summit, saw both leaders endorsing a recent agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This agreement is a vital step in normalizing relations that have been strained since a deadly military clash in 2020.

When asked about reports suggesting that Modi proposed ways to improve relations and that Xi agreed, Lin affirmed that the meeting was viewed as constructive and significant. He highlighted that both sides aim to prevent specific disagreements from impacting the overall relationship and to foster regional and global peace and prosperity.

The leaders agreed to enhance communication and cooperation through discussions between their foreign ministers and various officials to expedite the normalization process. They also plan to utilize the Special Representatives mechanism, aimed at addressing boundary issues, to ensure peace in border areas and find reasonable settlements.

The Special Representatives mechanism, currently led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, has been instrumental since its establishment in 2003. The last meeting under this mechanism occurred in 2019.

Relations between India and China deteriorated following the Chinese military's incursion into eastern Ladakh in May 2020, leading to a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley. However, the recent agreement on troop disengagement along the LAC marks a significant breakthrough in resolving the prolonged standoff.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking from Kazan, emphasized that both Modi and Xi acknowledged the potential for a "peaceful, stable and beneficial bilateral relationship." He reiterated India's consistent stance on restoring peace in border areas as crucial for normalizing relations.

In the coming weeks, both countries are expected to strengthen their ties through high-level visits and collaborative efforts across various sectors.

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