Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday underlined that building a friendship between India and China is the “right choice” for both nations, during his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin.
Xi highlighted the shared heritage of the two ancient civilisations and their role as major voices of the Global South. He described the partnership as a bond between the “dragon and the elephant” that can drive mutual success and global progress.
“China and India are two ancient civilisations in the East, the world’s most populous countries, and important members of the Global South. We share the responsibility of improving people’s well-being, promoting solidarity in developing countries, and advancing human progress. It is the right choice for both countries to be friends, good neighbours, and partners who enable each other’s success,” Xi said.
Prime Minister Modi, in response, reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. He welcomed progress on key issues, including peace along the border after disengagements, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and plans to restart direct flight connectivity.
“After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created. An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives on border management. The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation, which will also benefit humanity as a whole,” Modi said.
He thanked Xi for the warm reception and congratulated China on its successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). This visit marks Modi’s first trip to China in over seven years.
India and China have recently taken steps to smooth ties, including reopening trade routes through Lipulekh (Uttarakhand), Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh), and Nathu La (Sikkim). During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit, both sides also agreed to resume direct flights and ease visa processes for travellers.
The SCO Summit, hosted in Tianjin, brings together 10 member states, including India, China, Russia, and others. PM Modi is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines.
