Ice-breaking initiative

P M Narendra Modi’s meeting with Chinese counterpart Mr. Xi Jinping on Sunday at Tianjin on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation could be seen as an ice-breaking initiative between the two giant neighbours hosting nearly a third of global population.

The emphasis laid by the two leaders that bilateral ties should not be hostage to the differences in matters of boundaries and disputes on border emerges as the key outcome of the meeting. The progress made with regard to issuance of tourist visa, resumption of direct flights and restoration of trade ties should be seen as keenness of the two sides to see each other as partners, not rivals.

Even while asserting that they would do everything to ensure peace and tranquility at the borders, they agreed that the ties between the two should not be seen through a third country’s lens, a reference to the challenges posed by the harsh tariff-led disruption by the US.

The willingness of the two sides to enhance mutual trade ties with increased and fair access to each other’s markets should be seen as attempts to explore newer markets and imparting multipolarity to their geo-economic vision.

The meeting, second in less than a year, should go a long way in restoring confidence and trust among the two giant economies of Asia signalling a positive mo mentum in bilateral relations. With Mr. Modi having invited Mr. Xi to BRICS conclave in India, a lot of hope could be hinged on the future outcome of the high level meeting.