Modi, Xi discuss strengthening India-China ties at BRICS Summit

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, focusing on strengthening relations and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting marked Xi’s first visit to India in seven years and comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to stabilise ties following tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

The two leaders discussed the importance of improving business connections and increasing mobility between India and China. They also emphasised the need for greater trust and continued engagement between the two countries.

Xi called for India and China to approach their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective. He also stressed the importance of cooperation between the two major Asian countries and their role in promoting stability and development.

Modi highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral engagement and strengthening areas of mutual interest.

Relations between India and China had deteriorated sharply following the 2020 border confrontation in eastern Ladakh. Since then, the two sides have held several rounds of military and diplomatic discussions aimed at maintaining peace and stability along the border.

Recent steps have included improvements in diplomatic communication, travel links and business engagement.

Economic ties remain an important part of the relationship, although differences continue in areas including trade, investment and market access.

The two countries also have significant interests in maintaining peace along their disputed Himalayan boundary.

The meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit provides an opportunity for both sides to maintain the recent momentum in bilateral engagement.

India and China are also important members of BRICS, and both countries have an interest in strengthening cooperation within the grouping on trade, development, technology and global governance.

The latest Modi-Xi talks therefore mark an important step in continuing dialogue between the two countries while both sides work to manage their differences and expand areas of practical cooperation.