First, we talk to Diplomatic Affairs Editor Shubhajit Roy about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China for the SCO summit where he held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jingping. He shares what all was discussed in the meeting where do Indo-China ties stand currently.

Next, we talk to The Indian Express’ Raakhi Jagga about flood situation in Punjab. She shares how over a thousand villages in the state have been flooded, how the people are coping and the rescue operations that are underway.(9:09)

Lastly, we talk to The Indian Express’ Brendan Dabhi about a new pilot project introduced by the Gujarat state government. (20:18)

While the close ties between China and Pakistan are a matter of serious concern to India, New Delhi cannot hold its bilateral ties with China hostage to Pakistan engagement. It has decided to normalise ties step by step with China and move towards pre-May 2020 level with stable and tranquil border being at the centre of the relationship. This also means that India and China will be seen converging on multi-lateral/global issues like terrorism, climate change and fair trade.

Given the history of border friction between the two giants, the step towards apex-level military dialogue at the commanders’ (Lt General/Major General) level will help sort out border issues without delay and also help in demarcating the non-contentious portions of the border. The bilateral meetings with President Xi and strongman Cai Qi on the sidelines of the SCO summit fuel hope of stable ties between the two countries, who were military rivals just five years ago.