Samarkand/New Delhi, August 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with China, stressing that the relationship must be built on “mutual trust, respect and sensitivities.” He made the remarks while opening a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, marking his first visit to China in seven years.
Speaking in Hindi, Modi said, “We are committed to advancing ties based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivities.” He referred to last year’s disengagement of troops along the India-China boundary, noting, “Since then, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been maintained.” The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in border management, stating that the Special Representatives of both nations “have agreed on border management,” calling it a positive development.
Modi mentioned practical steps reflecting improved relations. “Direct flights between India and China are being restored, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed,” he said.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were present at the meeting. Modi’s visit comes against the backdrop of a sudden downturn in India-US ties following recent US tariffs on Indian goods.
On the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Xi stressed the historic responsibility of the two nations and the need for partnership. “We both shoulder the responsibility of improving the well-being of our peoples, promoting solidarity and rejuvenation of developing countries, and propelling the progress of human society,” Xi said. He added, “It is the right choice for both to be friends who have good neighbourly and amicable ties, partners who enable each other’s success, and to have the dragon and the elephant dance together.”
The Chinese president underlined a long-term approach in bilateral ties. “Both sides need to approach and handle our relationship from strategic heights and a long-term perspective so as to realise the sustained, sound, and steady development of our bilateral ties,” he said. Xi described India and China as partners and development opportunities for each other rather than threats. He also called for upholding multilateralism, noting, “We must step up our historic responsibility to uphold multilateralism, work together to bring about a multipolar world and more democracy in international relations, and make our due contributions to peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world.”
Observers said the meeting gains added significance amid India-US trade tensions. Analysts point to the dialogue as a pragmatic recalibration, with India and China finding common ground in the face of global economic uncertainty.
“This is our first meeting in nearly ten months,” Xi said, highlighting broader global shifts. “The international situation is both fluid and chaotic. China and India are two ancient civilisations in the East, the world’s most populous countries, and also the oldest members of the Global South.”
The discussions reflect India and China’s efforts to balance cooperation with strategic interests, even as both countries navigate complex regional and global challenges.
