In a significant development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Wednesday, marking their first bilateral discussion in over five years. This anticipated meeting comes at a critical juncture following recent agreements between the two countries, notably on military disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which had been the epicentre of heightened tensions.

As India and China attempt to reset their relationship following years of strained ties, it’s worth looking back at the timeline of key meetings between Modi and Xi, which have shaped the course of relations between the two neighbouring powers.

Key Meetings Between Modi and Xi Jinping

The First BRICS Encounter — July 15-16, 2014

Prime Minister Modi’s very first interaction with President Xi Jinping occurred on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Fortaleza, Brazil. This meeting was particularly significant as it set the stage for Modi’s future diplomatic engagements with China following his rise to power in India earlier that year. Both leaders spoke of enhancing cooperation across a range of sectors, setting an optimistic tone for the bilateral relationship.

Xi’s State Visit to India — September 17, 2014

Just a few months after their initial meeting, Xi Jinping made an official state visit to India, becoming the first Chinese president in over six decades to receive such a warm reception. During this visit, both leaders sought to bolster cooperation in areas like trade, civil nuclear energy, and connectivity. However, even as they discussed economic and cultural ties, the unresolved border issues between the two nations loomed large over the discussions.

Modi’s Visit to China — May 14, 2015

In return, PM Modi embarked on a three-day state visit to China in May 2015. Hosted by Xi in his hometown of Xian, Modi’s visit was marked by extensive talks on border issues, military ties, and trade. The optics of the visit—complete with symbolic gestures of hospitality—demonstrated the commitment of both leaders to fostering a stronger bond between their nations.

July 8, 2015 – BRICS and SCO Summit, Ufa

Meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summits in Russia, Modi voiced concerns regarding China’s involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through disputed territories in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Prime Minister also addressed China’s stance on blocking action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, further illustrating the complexities within the India-China relationship.

G20 Summit in Hangzhou — September 4, 2016

Amid declining ties, PM Modi met Xi Jinping during the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China. The discussions this time were overshadowed by Beijing’s consistent opposition to India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and its stance on Pakistan-based terror organizations. Modi pushed for greater cooperation in tackling terrorism and highlighted the importance of mutual respect in managing their nations’ strategic interests.

Astana SCO Summit — June 9, 2017

The strained relations between India and China didn’t prevent a bilateral meeting during the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan. By this time, the two sides were locked in a border standoff at Doklam, a remote but strategically significant area in the Himalayas. Modi emphasized the need for stronger communication channels between the two countries to mitigate misunderstandings and avoid conflict.

G20 Summit in Hamburg — July 7, 2017

Just a month after their last encounter, Modi and Xi Jinping had an informal exchange at the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany. This meeting took place against the backdrop of the still-unresolved Doklam standoff, making their conversation a crucial step in preventing further escalation between Indian and Chinese troops.

BRICS Summit in Xiamen — September 5, 2017

The bilateral meeting at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen marked the first formal interaction between Modi and Xi after the resolution of the Doklam standoff. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining peace along the border and worked towards creating mechanisms to prevent future confrontations.

Wuhan Informal Summit — April 26, 2018

The 2018 Wuhan Summit is perhaps the most famous of all the Modi-Xi meetings. In this informal summit, both leaders spent two days discussing a range of strategic and geopolitical issues while seeking to stabilize their ties after the Doklam crisis. The Wuhan Consensus was seen as an important step in managing the border situation through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation.

SCO Summit in Qingdao — June 9, 2018

Less than two months after Wuhan, Modi and Xi met again on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Qingdao. The focus of this meeting was on further strengthening the diplomatic momentum generated by Wuhan, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to managing border tensions peacefully.

Mamallapuram Summit — October 11, 2019

In 2019, Xi Jinping visited India for another informal summit, this time in the historic coastal town of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. Like Wuhan, this meeting allowed the two leaders to engage in relaxed and wide-ranging discussions. Despite positive optics, the border tensions remained a significant undercurrent in their talks.

G20 Summit in Indonesia — November 15, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the regularity of meetings between Modi and Xi, but they did briefly exchange pleasantries during the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. This marked the first in-person interaction between the two since the pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, where 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

BRICS Summit in Johannesburg — August 22, 2023

In their most recent encounter, Modi and Xi had a brief conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. While this interaction was informal, it underscored the need for continuing dialogue even amid unresolved border tensions.