Centre Refutes China’s Claim, States Bilateral Meeting Request Pending

The Centre has countered China’s assertion that the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg was at New Delhi’s request. Government sources clarified that there was a pending request from China’s side for a bilateral meeting.

The leaders had an “informal conversation” at the Leaders Lounge during the summit, according to sources. China’s foreign ministry press statement had earlier claimed that the meeting was at Modi’s request. The leaders discussed China-India relations, border issues, and mutual interests.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra stated that both leaders agreed to intensify efforts for disengagement and de-escalation along the border. The prime minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for normalizing bilateral ties.