Modi-Xi handshake signals cautious thaw in India-China ties

Xi's presence at the BRICS summit marked a significant diplomatic moment, with a brief handshake between the Chinese leader and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi drawing attention as a potential signal of warming relations between the two Asian powers. The encounter, while symbolic, comes after years of strained ties following border clashes and escalating geopolitical competition.

The visit represents the highest-level engagement between New Delhi and Beijing in recent years, offering both countries an opportunity to explore dialogue on shared concerns. Officials on both sides have indicated a willingness to manage differences, with some observers viewing the summit as a platform for reopening channels of communication that had been severely tested.

However, substantial obstacles persist in any broader normalisation. Border disputes in the Himalayan region remain contentious, with unresolved military standoffs continuing to strain ties. Additionally, Indian concerns over Chinese technological dominance and restrictions on Chinese companies' access to Indian markets have created friction in economic relations.

Analysts suggest that while the BRICS summit may have provided an informal setting for the two leaders to acknowledge each other's presence, a comprehensive reset would require addressing these deeper structural issues. Progress is likely to be incremental, with both nations balancing diplomatic engagement against their strategic and security interests in a complex regional environment.