Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have pledged to resolve their border differences and bolster co-operation at a regional summit in China’s port city of Tianjin.
Modi is on his first visit to China since relations between the two countries deteriorated after Chinese and Indian soldiers engaged in deadly border clashes in 2020.
Modi is visiting as part of India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional political, economic and security group founded by China.
Modi said in his opening remarks that relations with China have moved in “a meaningful direction”, adding that “there is a peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement”.
He also noted “the importance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations,” according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Xi said he hoped the Tianjin meeting will “further elevate” and “promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The two sides should “not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship”, Xi said, adding that economic development should be their main focus.
“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,” Xi said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Tianjin on Sunday, is due to meet with both leaders in the coming days.
Unlike Modi, Putin plans to stay in China to attend a military parade in the capital marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.
Earlier in August, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi flew to New Delhi, as the two sides announced their rapprochement. Both governments pledged to restart border talks, and resume issuing visas and direct flights.
Wang’s visit coincided with US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, but New Delhi’s process of rebuilding ties with Beijing had been in the works for months.
Modi made that message clear on Sunday, saying that “India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens”, according to India’s foreign ministry.
China and India this year have increased official visits and discussed easing some restrictions on trade and the movement of people across the border. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet.
with dpa