India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed an agreement with China on disengagement and border patrols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The announcement comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, this week, News18 reported.

The move signals progress in easing tensions that have persisted since a deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020, which left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead. 

Despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic discussions over the past few years, a comprehensive resolution had previously eluded both sides. India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, explained that the recent understanding was reached following several rounds of negotiations involving military and diplomatic representatives from both nations.

He noted that the agreement allows for a return to pre-2020 patrolling protocols, which had been disrupted by heightened tensions. Misri added that discussions have been ongoing, and this development represents a step towards easing the situation in contested areas along the border. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the accord as a “positive development,” emphasising that both nations can now resume patrolling activities. Defence officials clarified that while progress has been made, significant issues remain, particularly at friction points such as Depsang and Demchok.

They indicated that further meetings are scheduled to address these critical areas, with several conditions set for patrolling where disengagement has occurred. The announcement comes just before Modi's participation in the BRICS summit, where he is set to engage with leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. 

Although India’s Foreign Secretary has not confirmed a bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, he mentioned that such interactions could occur on the summit's sidelines, depending on the final schedule.

The BRICS summit in Kazan, hosted by Russia, is anticipated to focus on expanding the bloc's membership, with new entrants potentially solidifying its role as a platform for promoting the interests of developing economies. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov underscored this by stating that the inclusion of new members would strengthen BRICS’ influence, particularly in advocating for the Global South.