Meeting Between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In a significant meeting held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on strategies to boost and balance trade between India and China. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who relayed details of their discussions in a press conference, noted that both leaders expressed a desire to deepen people-to-people connections, collaborate on trans-border waterways, and jointly combat terrorism, all while upholding respect and mutual interests.

The dialogue also acknowledged the vital roles that both the Indian and Chinese economies play in stabilizing global trade. Misri emphasized the importance of approaching economic relations with political and strategic considerations to address the bilateral trade deficit, encourage trade and investment from both sides, and ensure transparency in policy-making.

improving strategic communication and trust, expanding mutual exchanges, addressing each other's concerns, and fostering multilateral cooperation for common interests. Prime Minister Modi responded positively to these suggestions, underlining the collaborative spirit of the dialogue.

Additionally, the leaders touched upon the border issue, highlighting the successful disengagement from last year and the maintained peace along the borders since then. Misri reiterated Modi's emphasis on the importance of maintaining tranquility in border areas for the ongoing development of bilateral relations. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to achieving a fair and mutually agreeable resolution to boundary concerns, rooted in the broader context of their overall relations and benefiting both nations' citizens.

Amidst the SCO Summit activities, PM Modi also engaged with various world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to strengthen ties across multiple sectors like defense, trade, energy, and culture. The summit's official program commenced on September 1, surrounding a framework for further cooperation within the region.