Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached what Beijing described as the “most important consensus” during their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, that China and India should remain partners rather than rivals.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the two leaders held a candid and in-depth discussion on strategic, long-term and directional issues concerning bilateral relations during Xi's two-day visit to New Delhi on September 12-13.
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Xi-Modi meeting: China and India should work together
According to Wang, Xi said China and India could draw on each other's strengths, support one another and pursue common development.
The Chinese foreign minister said the two countries should view each other's development as an opportunity and work together to achieve mutual success.
Wang said the leaders also agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity in border areas and support each other during their respective BRICS chairmanships.
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India-China ties moving from 'restart' to 'renewed elevation'
A readout posted on China's Foreign Ministry website said bilateral relations had gradually emerged from a low point under the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders.
The relationship had moved from a “restart” towards a “renewed elevation”, it said.
Wang said areas of cooperation between the two countries were expanding, while bilateral trade had reached record levels and people-to-people exchanges were becoming more active.
He described the improvement in India-China ties as significant not only for the two countries but also for cooperation across the Global South.
India ready to be partner, not adversary, China says
Wang said Modi gave a positive response during the meeting and reaffirmed that India has always viewed its relationship with China from a strategic and long-term perspective.
According to Wang's account of the meeting, Modi said India was ready to be a partner rather than an adversary to China and viewed China's development as an opportunity rather than a challenge.
Wang also said Modi emphasised that India's approach to China was independent of third-party influence and that India would not allow its territory to be used for anti-China activities.
Xi calls for progress on ties and border issues
During his meeting with Modi, Xi called for political wisdom based on mutual respect and understanding to overcome disruptions in bilateral ties.
He urged both sides to pursue parallel progress in their overall relationship and on border issues, with the two tracks reinforcing each other to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border.
Wang said the two leaders agreed that the border issue should be viewed within the broader context of India-China relations, while dialogue and cooperation should remain the prevailing trend.
India and China agree to expand cooperation
The leaders agreed to make development the foundation of their shared interests and expand cooperation in several areas.
These include cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as direct air connectivity, with the aim of improving mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.
They also agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and broaden people-to-people ties based on mutual respect and trust.
India, China to coordinate at BRICS, UN, G20 and SCO
The two sides agreed to support each other's BRICS chairmanships and strengthen coordination in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and G20.
They also discussed greater cooperation among countries of the Global South and efforts towards a more multipolar world order.
Wang said China and India should work together as a stabilising and constructive force amid global uncertainty.
China to take over BRICS chairmanship in 2027
India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, with Xi attending the meeting and holding talks with Modi.
China is set to take over the BRICS chairmanship for 2027, after which Beijing will lead the grouping's next cycle of activities.
Wang said the progress in China-India relations had been hard-earned and should be valued, while calling on both sides to turn the consensus reached by their leaders into concrete action.
Inputs from PTI
