In the aftermath of a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, China has responded positively to Modi’s comments on India’s independent foreign policy. According to a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, China appreciates Modi’s assertion that India’s relationship with China would remain uninfluenced by third-party nations. The spokesperson emphasized that the primary takeaway from their discussions was the mutual understanding that China and India should continue to be partners, bolstering each other’s growth efforts.
President Xi highlighted that despite the distinct national circumstances of China and India, the two countries should prioritize collaboration while effectively managing their differences through mutual respect and comprehension. The dialogue underscored the importance of cooperation, with both nations agreeing that their divergences should not escalate into conflicts.
From India’s perspective, maintaining peace and stability along the shared border with China is crucial for the progression of bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings regarding the border issues. Both leaders expressed their support for pursuing a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary dispute, underscoring the significance of preventing differences from becoming disputes.
This meeting occurs in the context of historical tensions along the Line of Actual Control, a contested border area that has been a source of friction between the two nations. However, progress was made when an agreement was reached in October 2024 to disengage troops from multiple contentious points in the Ladakh sector. This agreement has contributed to easing the prolonged military standoff that had strained bilateral relations.