Why Modi’s chat with China’s command centre Cai Qi, not Xi, may decide what happens next

While Modi's handshake with Xi grabbed headlines, his meeting with Cai Qi, a key Politburo member, signals a potential shift in India-China relations. Cai's role in implementing policy makes him crucial for progress on trade, travel, and border issues. The emphasis on independent ties, free from third-country influence, suggests a recalibration of Delhi's approach to Beijing.