Modi and Xi discuss border tensions, trade and bilateral ties as India and China seek to build on recent progress ahead of China’s BRICS presidency, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi, with the two leaders discussing the future of India-China relations, border tensions and trade during the BRICS summit.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital, as the two countries seek to build on recent efforts to stabilise their relationship.
After the meeting, Modi said he had reviewed the “full range” of India-China relations with Xi and conveyed his best wishes to China ahead of its BRICS presidency next year.
The leaders also stressed the need to prevent differences between the two countries from developing into disputes.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, both sides agreed that their relationship should be approached from a strategic and long-term perspective.
Modi highlighted what he described as three “mutuals” that should guide bilateral relations: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
The border dispute remained a central issue in the discussions.
Modi stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border was essential for the continued development of bilateral ties. He also called on both sides to adhere to existing agreements and understandings relating to the border.
The two leaders expressed support for a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question, while linking progress on the issue to the broader political relationship between the two countries.
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply following a deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020. The confrontation led to a prolonged military standoff along parts of the disputed Himalayan border.
Since then, both sides have worked through diplomatic and military channels to reduce tensions and restore stability along the frontier.
The latest meeting comes as India and China attempt to expand engagement beyond their long-running border dispute.
Modi and Xi noted progress in people-to-people contacts and called for stronger cultural exchanges, business links and greater mobility between the two countries.
Economic ties were also discussed, with both sides acknowledging concerns over trade.
According to the Indian government, the leaders agreed on the need to address issues including structural trade imbalances, supply chain challenges and access to each other’s markets.
They also agreed that India and China should continue looking for areas of common ground on regional and international issues.
The meeting is significant as India hosts the BRICS summit, with the grouping bringing together major emerging economies and countries with widely differing geopolitical interests.
China is due to take over the BRICS presidency next year, following India’s current chairship.
