Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday agreed to resolve differences between the two nations and increase co-operation, as they met for the first time since a deadly border standoff in 2020 that strained ties.
The leaders' meeting on the sidelines of the two-day Brics summit in Russia's Kazan is being seen as a major breakthrough in thawing relations between the nuclear-armed nations, which have fought a major war and seen endless confrontations along their long un-demarcated border known as Line of Actual Control.
The two countries on Monday said they had reached a deal to allow border patrolling operations in both countries to resume, completing a disengagement process along the disputed Himalayan borders.
At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died during the confrontation four years ago, which involved clubs and stones being used as weapons along the high-altitude disputed Himalayan border in the northern Ladakh region. The standoff escalated into a diplomatic and military showdown between the regional powers, with both sides moving thousands of soldiers to the region.
Mr Xi and Mr Modi last met when the Chinese leader visited India at the Prime Minister's invitation in 2019.
However, they exchanged pleasantries during the Group of 20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia in 2022 and in Johannesburg, South Africa a year later.
Wednesday's meeting lasted for about 15 minutes, and the two leaders spoke about strengthening bilateral ties, with Mr Modi highlighting that cordial relations between the two Asian neighbours will help bring regional and global peace and stability.
“We believe that India-China ties are not only significant for our people, but also for global peace, stability and progress,” Mr Modi said.
“We welcome the consensus on the border conflict. It should be our priority to maintain peace and stability on the border. Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity should be the basis of our relations."
Mr Xi reiterated enhancing co-operation with New Delhi to promote multi-polarisation and unity of developing countries as he said their historic meeting was being followed by citizens of both nations.
“It best serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples for both sides to keep to the trend of history and the right direction of our bilateral relations. It is important for both sides for more communication and properly handle our differences cooperation and disagreements, and to facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations,” Mr Xi said.
“It is also important for both sides to shoulder our international responsibility, set an example for boosting the strength and unity of the developing countries, and to contribute to promoting multi-polarisation and democracy in international relations."
The Brics summit in Russia is one of the biggest gatherings of global leaders to be held amid the war in Gaza and the years-long conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Brics is an alliance the initially included five emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The intergovernmental organisation admitted four new members, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia and Iran, after a decision to expand was made at the Brics summit in Johannesburg in August last year. Together the Brics countries now account for about 37.3 per cent of the world's GDP, according to the European Parliament, or more than double the EU's 14.5 per cent.
But the main highlight has been resolving the hostilities between India and China, which comprise nearly one-third of the world’s population and are major economic powerhouses.
The countries share a nearly 4,000km border known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) that crosses the Himalayas from the Ladakh region in the north to the eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
Both countries have been making territorial claims and counterclaims, including China’s claim on India’s northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state which Beijing says is part of China’s Tibet region.
However, the deadly events in 2020 have led to acrimony between the two countries, with military experts claiming that China had occupied vast portions of the demarcated frontier in the strategic Ladakh region.
Over the years senior military commanders and Foreign Ministry officials from both sides had held nearly 30 rounds of high-level talks but without significant progress, until Monday when India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri announced that India and China have arrived at a patrolling arrangement along the LAC.
He said that the arrangement can lead to disengagement and resolution of tension that began with clashes in May 2020.
The troops had completed disengagement from a key standoff point in the disputed Himalayan Eastern Ladakh region in 2022, but the Chinese forces still blocked access to traditional patrolling areas of Indian forces in the Depsang Plains and Charding Nala regions on the LAC.
Depsang Plains is a tabletop plateau located at an altitude of 4,800 metres.
The Chinese also erected tents on the Indian-administered side of Charding Nala in Demchok. Beijing has constantly refused to accept that the areas are part of Indian territory.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
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Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
The specs: 2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
Price, base / as tested: Dh263,235 / Dh420,000
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4L / 100kms
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Flying
Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.
Touring
Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Charlotte Gainsbourg
Rest
(Because Music)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
PRISCILLA
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