Several rounds of meetings have been held to discuss the strategy for the summit.
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to talk tough on the LAC (Line of Actual Control) dispute with China in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping during the upcoming BRICS Summit. The BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Johannesburg from 22-24 August. PM Modi and President Xi will come face-to-face during this conclave.
“PM Modi is understandably keen to have an opportunity to speak directly with Xi during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg on 22-24 August. In fact, the Indian Prime Minister wants to use the opportunity to do some plain speaking on the border row which continues to be unresolved,” a source said. Apart from mentioning about the border dispute, PM Modi will utilize the platforms of BRICS to signal a strong and meaningful message, indirectly asking China to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states. “China will be reminded of the joint statements of the BRICS through which it has committed to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. If Beijing does not believe in what it commits through the joint declaration of the BRICS, it is confirmation of what India has been saying that China violates written pacts on maintaining peace on the borders,” an official said. PM Modi will also hit out at the “nexus between some countries” (read Pakistan and China) to protect terrorists at the global forum like the United Nations. Diplomats are holding regular meetings to discuss the strategy to be adopted by the Indian side. The BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) brings together five of the largest developing countries of the world, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP and 16% of the global trade.
Sources told The Sunday Guardian that under the guidance of PM Modi, several rounds of meetings were held to discuss and prepare the strategy for the summit. “PM Modi also gave his inputs and suggestions. The key focus of strategy is China especially when Xi is going to be present,” a source said.
Diplomatic officials here are aware of the preparations that are being made by the Chinese foreign ministry for the upcoming meeting. “There is unease in China over India getting ready to discuss the LAC issues when Modi and Xi come face-to-face,” a source said. Indian officials are expecting Beijing to seek a bargain for its participation at the G20 summit by asking New Delhi not to discuss the border dispute. “China might come up with this proposal through diplomatic channels any time ahead of the summits,” said a diplomat privy to details of the meetings at South Block. “Whatever China says, but India is not going to relegate the LAC issues to the background,” he added. “China will be asked to help resolve the crisis along the LAC if it really wants to avoid strong comments from India during the summits,” said an official. India will, meanwhile, continue to build massive pressure on China to cooperate with New Delhi in resolving the border stand-off before the G20 meet. Sources said that China wants to avoid discussion on the border dispute if Modi and Xi meet. Diplomats said that it is not confirmed whether the two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting, as it will depend on the situation along the LAC.