Centre Confirms: PM Modi and Xi Jinping Spoke on Bilateral Ties in Bali 8 Months Ago

New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries and discussed the importance of stabilizing bilateral relations during the G20 summit in Bali last November, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The confirmation came after Beijing claimed that the two leaders reached an “important consensus” on stabilizing ties during the same summit. The MEA spokesperson emphasized that resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and restoring peace in border areas is crucial for overall resolution.

The meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi in Johannesburg received attention after the Chinese foreign ministry’s readout mentioned PM Modi and Xi reaching a consensus on stabilizing relations in Bali. The MEA had previously acknowledged the exchange of pleasantries between the two leaders during the G20 summit, their first public interaction since the border standoff began in May 2020.

Currently, Indian and Chinese troops are involved in a standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh, although disengagement has occurred in some areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks. The clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 significantly strained India-China relations.

Regarding the upcoming G20 summit in Delhi, Bagchi assured that India is making all necessary preparations for the successful participation of all invited leaders.