The Indian prime minister visits China for the first time in seven years to participate in a two-day session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that New Delhi is devoted to enhancing relations with Beijing in an important meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping on Sunday, as both nations agreed to set aside disputes from a prolonged border conflict.
Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years to participate in a two-day summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders from Central, South, and Southeast Asia as well as the Middle East, demonstrating solidarity among the Global South.
Modi informed Xi during their meeting at the summit that “we are dedicated to advancing our relationship grounded in mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities,” as per a video shared on the Indian leader’s official X account.
The bilateral meeting occurred five days after Washington enacted harsh 50% tariffs on Indian products because of New Delhi’s acquisition of Russian oil. Analysts indicate that Xi and Modi aim to showcase a unified stance against Western influence.
Modi stated that a climate of “peace and stability” has been established along their contentious Himalayan border, where a long-lasting military standoff occurred following lethal troop confrontations in 2020, halting most cooperative efforts between the nuclear-capable strategic rivals.
He noted that an accord had been established between the two countries concerning border administration, without providing specifics.
“We should … not allow the border matter to shape the broader China-India relationship,” Chinese state media Xinhua reported Xi stating.
