Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi vowed on Sunday to resolve their difference regarding the border and strengthen cooperation, ahead of the opening of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin.
The occasion marks Modi’s first visit to China since soldiers of both countries engaged in deadly border clashes in 2020, consequently deteriorating relations between the two neighbouring nations.
Modi is visiting as part of India’s membership into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional political, economic and security group founded by China, reports AP/UNB.
In his introductory remarks, the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the positive shift in relations with China, noting that these ties had taken “a meaningful direction” and that the borders were now peaceful following disengagement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hopes that the Tianjin meeting would “further elevate” and “promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
Xi emphasised that the border issue should not define the overall relationship between the two nations. He added that both countries should focus on economic development, stating, “As long as they remain committed to the overarching goal of being partners, not rivals, and providing development opportunities, not threats, China-India relations will flourish and move forward steadily.”
Earlier in August, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi visited New Delhi, marking the announcement of a thaw in relations between the two nations. The two governments agreed to restart border discussions, reintroduce visa issuance, and resume direct flights.
Wang’s visit coincided with US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil. However, Delhi’s efforts to improve relations with Beijing had been underway for several months.
This year, both China and India have ramped up official visits and explored easing trade restrictions and border controls. In June, China permitted Indian pilgrims to visit sacred sites in Tibet.
