Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, emphasizing that India-China relations should be anchored in mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. Highlighting the stabilization of ties post-disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Modi noted that an atmosphere of peace and stability now prevails, fostering a conducive environment for advancing India-China relations. He referenced their productive discussions in Kazan last year, which set a positive trajectory for bilateral ties, a sentiment echoed by Xi, who described the Kazan meeting as a “restart” for India-China relations, with continuous progress in exchanges and cooperation.
The disengagement at the border has been a pivotal step, with Modi noting the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between the two nations as significant measures toward stabilizing India-China relations. Both leaders underscored that their cooperation benefits the 2.8 billion people of their countries and contributes to global welfare. Modi reiterated India’s commitment to deepening India-China relations based on mutual trust and respect, while Xi emphasized viewing ties strategically for long-term stability, advocating for a “Dancing of the Dragon and the Elephant” to symbolize mutual success.
Enhancing India-China Relations with Mutual Trust and Respect
Xi outlined key principles for advancing India-China relations: strengthening strategic communication to deepen mutual trust, expanding exchanges for mutual benefit, accommodating each other’s concerns to uphold harmony, and enhancing multilateral cooperation to safeguard common interests. He highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, urging both nations to elevate India-China relations through the Tianjin summit. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs echoed this, noting that both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a stable relationship grounded in mutual respect and sensitivity, essential for a multipolar Asia and world.
On the border issue, Modi stressed the importance of peace and tranquillity for continued growth in India-China relations, with both leaders supporting a fair resolution to the boundary question. They acknowledged the successful disengagement and ongoing efforts by Special Representatives. Economic ties were also emphasized, with both sides recognizing their role in stabilizing global trade and addressing India’s trade deficit with China. Modi’s remark that India-China relations should not be viewed through a “third country lens” subtly addressed external influences, reinforcing strategic autonomy.
The meeting, lasting about an hour, also covered people-to-people ties, with plans to strengthen connections through visa facilitation and direct flights. Modi expressed support for China’s SCO presidency and invited Xi to the 2026 BRICS Summit in India, with Xi reciprocating support for India’s BRICS presidency. Despite challenges like the trade deficit and unresolved de-escalation along the LAC, where 50,000 to 60,000 troops remain deployed, both leaders signaled a commitment to a step-by-step stabilization of India-China relations.
