Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, marking his first visit to China in seven years. The meeting came after their last bilateral interaction in Kazan in October 2024 and signaled an attempt by both nations to reset ties.
Border Stability a Priority
During the talks, Modi stressed that peace and stability along the border remain vital for the overall progress of India-China relations. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to finding a “fair and acceptable” solution to the longstanding boundary dispute. Both leaders emphasized that India and China are development partners, not competitors, and should strengthen dialogue to avoid friction.
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Boost to Connectivity and Trade
A significant outcome of the meeting was an agreement to enhance people-to-people and economic linkages. Modi proposed easing visa rules, resuming direct flights, and restoring the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage route suspended in recent years. Both leaders also agreed to push forward bilateral trade and investment, underlining the potential for economic growth despite political differences.
Shared Stance on Global Issues
On global affairs, Modi and Xi underlined that India and China maintain strategic autonomy and should not be viewed through the prism of third countries. They discussed the need for joint efforts on tackling terrorism, ensuring fair trade practices, and strengthening cooperation within multilateral platforms.
Invitations and Future Engagements
Prime Minister Modi expressed support for China’s current SCO chairmanship and formally invited Xi Jinping to the 2026 BRICS summit in India. Xi accepted the invitation and assured support for India’s leadership role. Modi also held separate talks with Chinese Communist Party chief Cai Qian, who conveyed Beijing’s readiness to deepen ties with New Delhi.