Tiajin: During the bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart on Sunday in Tianjin, PM Modi said India and China pursue strategic autonomy, adding that their relations should not be seen through a third country lens.
“The two leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, like terrorism and fair trade in multilateral platforms,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.
PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underlined the importance of peace and tranquility on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then.
They held the meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The meeting marked Modi’s first visit to China in more than seven years, signaling a fresh push to reset strained ties between New Delhi and Beijing.
PM Modi assured Xi that India is committed to improving relations with China, stressing the importance of “mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities.” He noted that disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has created “an atmosphere of peace and stability,” paving the way for smoother ties. Modi also confirmed that India and China’s Special Representatives have reached an agreement on border management, though details were not disclosed.
Highlighting steps to boost people-to-people and trade linkages, the prime minister announced the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, suspended since 2020, and the restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. “The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation,” he said, adding that this partnership could “pave the way for the welfare of humanity.”
Xi Jinping, for his part, underlined that China and India are “two ancient civilizations and the world’s most populous countries.” He stressed the need for both nations to act as partners in promoting the solidarity of the Global South and advancing human progress. “It is the right choice for us to be friends and good neighbours, to enable each other’s success, and to let the dragon and the elephant walk together,” Xi said.
Modi invites Xi to BRICS Summit
PM Modi invited President Xi Jinping to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026. Xi thanked PM Modi for his invitation and offered support to India’s BRICS presidency.
‘The dragon and the elephant must come together’
Xi Jinping pointed out that they are the world’s two most populous nations and part of the Global South. Xi emphasised the importance of being friends and good neighbours, urging the “Dragon and the Elephant” to come together, reported the India Today.
Xi bats for multipolar world
Xi said India and China must shoulder their “historic responsibility” to uphold multilateralism, work together for a multipolar world, and advance democracy in international relations. He added that the two countries should contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and across the globe.
Who accompanied Modi?
Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar was not accompanying PM Modi. Instead, he was flanked by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and NSA Ajit Doval.
The meeting comes amid easing tensions, with recent steps such as China lifting export curbs on rare earths and India reopening traditional trade routes through Himalayan passes. Modi also congratulated China for its successful SCO chairmanship and thanked Xi for the warm welcome.
With leaders from Russia, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East also present at the SCO, Modi’s outreach to Xi highlights New Delhi’s balancing act—strengthening regional ties while cautiously rebuilding its complex relationship with Beijing.
