India's Modi and China's Xi push business links, border peace as ties revive - Reuters

**India, China Seek to Revitalize Ties With New Focus on Trade and Border Stability**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of a multilateral summit this week, marking the first high‑level dialogue between the two leaders in more than a year. Both sides stressed the need to “reset” the relationship, emphasizing deeper business links and a commitment to maintaining peace along the disputed Himalayan frontier. The leaders announced a series of initiatives, including a joint task force to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy, high‑speed rail, and digital infrastructure, as well as a protocol to hold quarterly military‑to‑military talks aimed at preventing inadvertent border incidents.

The talks also dovetailed with broader geopolitical currents, notably the evolving agenda of the BRICS grouping. Xi outlined a five‑point action plan for BRICS that prioritises cooperation in artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and supply‑chain resilience. While Indian officials welcomed the prospect of enhanced trade, they signalled caution over the plan’s implications for domestic industry, warning that unchecked technology transfers could raise “red‑flag” concerns regarding data security and market competition. Analysts note that India’s participation in the “Greater BRICS” vision will likely hinge on safeguards that protect its growing tech sector while still tapping into China’s expansive market.

Despite the constructive tone, the meeting was not without symbolic snags. On BRICS Day, President Xi declined a dinner invitation from Prime Minister Modi, a gesture that some observers interpreted as a diplomatic slight or a reflection of lingering mistrust. Nevertheless, both leaders affirmed that the missed meal would not impede the momentum of dialogue. The renewed engagement comes as both countries grapple with domestic pressures—India with its push for self‑reliance and China with its ambition to lead in next‑generation technologies—making the balance between cooperation and competition a defining feature of their renewed partnership.