Modi-Xi Jinping Meet An Ice-Breaker But China Needs To Walk The Distance, Opines Arnab

Arnab Goswami reflects on the recent bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Kazan. Describing the meeting as an ice-breaker, Arnab emphasizes that while initiating talks is a positive step, China must take concrete actions to restore trust. He asserts that India’s stance remains firm—until China strictly adheres to disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), normalization cannot proceed. Arnab highlights the shift in India’s diplomatic approach under Modi’s leadership, dubbing it "Modi 3.0"—marked by strategic alliances, free trade agreements, and regional coalitions. He warns that China must recognize the rise of India as a global power, set to become the world’s third-largest economy. With India’s rapid growth rate, increasing defense expenditure, and expanding global influence, Arnab suggests China must respect India’s sovereignty to foster meaningful relations. He insists that China must end its support for Pakistan ’s anti-India activities and refrain from aiding terror groups across the region. Arnab concludes that this "new innings" of India-China relations must be based on mutual respect, urging China to embrace the rise of India as a responsible democracy in the evolving global order.