Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on August 31, 2025, in Tianjin, China, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Xi Jinping emphasised that it is the "right choice" for the two countries to be friends, highlighting their shared history as ancient civilizations and describing India and China as partners that enable each other's success.

Xi stressed that the border dispute should not define the broader India-China relationship. He portrayed the two countries not as rivals but as cooperation partners and development opportunities for each other, underscoring their shared responsibility as the world's two most populous nations and important members of the Global South to promote solidarity, well-being, and progress for developing countries and humanity at large.

PM Modi reciprocated by committing to advancing India-China ties based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. He recognised the progress made on peace along the border following disengagement and welcomed the agreement on border management reached by the two sides.

Modi highlighted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the restarting of direct flights between the countries as positive steps toward enhancing cooperation.

He linked the welfare of about 2.8 billion people from both countries to their bilateral cooperation, emphasising that this collaboration will also contribute to the welfare of humanity. Modi also congratulated China on its successful chairmanship of the SCO and thanked Xi for his warm welcome.

Recent efforts to improve ties were noted, such as reopening border trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass, and agreements to finalise updated air service accords and facilitate visas for tourists, businesses, media, and others. The meeting marked India's first visit to China in seven years, occurring in the context of complex global dynamics, including US-imposed tariffs on India.

The SCO summit was highlighted as strategically important, with Modi also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. The cooperation between China and India at the SCO and their broader relationship were framed as vital to regional stability, economic growth, and global multipolarity.

The bilateral talks underscored a mutual desire to maintain peace and stability on the border, to continue peaceful dialogue on unresolved issues, and to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Both leaders expressed optimism that their partnership would contribute positively to the development and progress of their peoples and the broader international community.

Based On ANI Report