Modi and Xi Jinping Discuss Bilateral Relations at SCO Summit

In Tianjin, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released details of the meeting, highlighting the positive trajectory of bilateral relations since their previous encounter in Kazan in October 2024. Both leaders emphasized that their nations are development partners, not rivals, and that any disagreements should not escalate into disputes. They agreed that a stable relationship and cooperation, built on mutual respect, interest, and sensitivity, were crucial for the progress of both countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia.

Prime Minister Modi stressed the significance of peace and tranquility in border regions for the continued development of their relationship. The leaders acknowledged the successful disengagement efforts of the previous year and the subsequent maintenance of peace along the border. They committed to finding a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the boundary question, considering the overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of both peoples. They also acknowledged the important decisions made by their Special Representatives earlier in the month and agreed to support their ongoing efforts.

The leaders also discussed the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visas. Regarding economic and trade relations, they acknowledged the role of their economies in stabilizing world trade. They emphasized the need to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce the trade deficit, guided by a political and strategic perspective.

Prime Minister Modi noted that both India and China pursue strategic autonomy, and their relationship should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. The two leaders agreed on the necessity of expanding common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges, such as terrorism and fair trade within multilateral platforms.

Prime Minister Modi expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO and the Summit in Tianjin. He also extended an invitation to President Xi to attend the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026. President Xi thanked the Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China's support to India's BRICS Presidency.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi met with Mr. Cai Qi, a Member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China. The Prime Minister shared his vision for bilateral relations with Cai and sought his support in realizing the vision of the two leaders. Cai reiterated China's desire to expand bilateral exchanges and further improve relations, in line with the consensus reached between the two leaders.