NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Sunday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed that India and China are “development partners, not rivals”, and the differences should not turn into disputes. Amid global instability due to US President Donald Trump-imposed tariffs, PM Modi and Jinping recognised the role of both countries in economic and trade relations to stabilise world trade. According to MEA, they also discussed the need to “develop a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce the trade deficit.”The talks between PM Modi and Xi Jinping highlighted the growing relations between the two countries amid Trump’s tariff turmoil. In an official statement, the ministry said that PM Modi invited President Xi to the BRICS summit that India will host in 2026.
PM Modi, Jinping welcome positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations
The ministry added that PM Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping welcomed the “positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024.” It added that India and China have reaffirmed that both countries are developing partners and not rivals and that their differences should not turn into disputes. “A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion peoples on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century,” MEA said in an official statement.
Peace and tranquillity in the border areas
The ministry said that PM Modi, during the bilateral talks, emphasised the importance of peace and tranquillity in border areas for the 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,” it added. MEA said that PM Modi and Jinping expressed commitment to a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples.” “They recognised the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts,” it said.
Strengthening people-to-people ties
PM Modi and Jinping also noted the need to strengthen people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa. They also recognised the role of both countries in economic and trade relations to stabilise world trade. They also discussed the need to develop a political and strategic direction to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce the trade deficit.
Common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues
The ministry further said that PM Modi underlined that “India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and 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 statement of MEA added.
PM Modi congratulates Jinping for SCO Summit , invites him to BRICS 2026
During the key talks, PM Modi expressed support for China’s presidency of the SCO and the Summit in Tianjin. “He also invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026. President Xi thanked the Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China’s support to India’s BRICS Presidency,” MEA said. PM Modi also had a meeting with Cai Qi, member of the standing committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. He shared his vision with Qi for bilateral relations and sought his support to realise the vision of the two leaders. “Mr Cai reiterated the Chinese side’s desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders,” it added.PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
