Modi’s Thumbs-Up at BRICS Dinner with Putin and Xi Marks Diplomatic Unity After India-China LAC Deal

At the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s thumbs-up during a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping symbolized a moment of unity. This came after India and China reached a breakthrough agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), easing a four-year military standoff.

Visuals captured Modi sharing a warm handshake and hug with Putin, emphasizing their close ties. The informal dinner setting also highlighted the growing bond between China and Russia, strengthened in recent years, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Modi and Xi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, marking the first significant dialogue between the two leaders since their last structured meeting in 2019, prior to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. This agreement between India and China follows months of diplomatic and military discussions, including meetings between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The interactions at the summit signal a shift toward warmer relations between the three nations, with Putin seated between Modi and Xi, showcasing a new diplomatic dynamic.