Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Cementing better ties” (July 17). On his first major multi-lateral visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revealed his astute diplomatic skills and man-management prowess. He seems to have won the hearts of the BRICS leaders. Mr Modi’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping became the major talking point of the BRICS summit. What successive Indian leaders could not achieve over the years, Mr Modi seems to have almost achieved in a single one-on-one with the Chinese leader.
The mutual respect between the two leaders can be gauged by the fact that the scheduled 40-minute talk stretched to a 80-minute free-wheeling discussion. Mr Modi rightly stressed on mutual trust and peace between India and China.
His suggestion on the construction of a new route to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been well-received by Mr Xi. Both leaders have pondered on the boundary dispute too in a bid to foster a strong and durable relationship.