The India of 2018 may not be a pushover, but with a hostile neighbour like Pakistan on the western borders, and the mighty Dragon breathing fire in the north-eastern front, a conflicting path that may lead to military scuffles is never the best of solutions. Diplomacy remains the key.
Modi has always stressed that China is a strategic partner, and after two years of friction over a host of issues - the Doklam standoff, India's Nuclear Suppliers Group bid, and China's Belt and Road Initiative - this informal meet could be a master stroke to unarm the Dragon, and build on trade and other strategic relations.
The visit by Modi to mend the strained relationships between India and China is a step towards that, and a warm relation between the two strong-minded individuals in Modi and Xi may help improve the situation.