All eyes are on a possible meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The proposed interaction is being closely watched in diplomatic circles as both countries seek to maintain engagement amid continuing efforts to improve bilateral ties.
The meeting could take place at the beginning of next week, ahead of a possible visit by Xi to New Delhi for the BRICS summit. Indian officials and diplomatic observers are reportedly viewing an early Modi-Xi interaction as an important opportunity to prepare the ground for further high-level discussions between the two countries.
The latest developments come shortly after senior officials from India and China held a border-related meeting on August 25. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi participated in the discussions, underlining the continuing diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
The proposed Bishkek meeting could provide the leaders with an opportunity to review the broader state of India-China relations and discuss issues requiring political attention. It may also help establish the framework for subsequent talks if Xi’s New Delhi visit takes place during the BRICS summit.
Diplomatic observers are particularly focused on whether the meeting will lead to further progress in stabilising relations and addressing outstanding concerns. While no major breakthrough can be assumed in advance, direct engagement between Modi and Xi could be significant for shaping the next phase of India-China diplomacy.
