China has expressed approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments on India’s independent foreign policy, following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. This meeting highlighted the importance of India-China relations remaining independent of external influences, a sentiment echoed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. He emphasized Beijing’s appreciation for Modi’s stance that third countries should not impact the bilateral ties between India and China. A significant takeaway from their discussions was the reaffirmation that both nations should continue to be partners, promoting each other’s growth and development.
President Xi acknowledged the differing national circumstances of China and India but stressed the necessity for cooperation. He underscored the importance of managing differences with mutual respect and understanding, which has been a consistent theme in India-China diplomatic engagements. Both leaders recognized the need to prevent differences from escalating into disputes, suggesting a pragmatic approach to addressing the complex issues that have historically affected their bilateral relations.
India, on its part, reiterated the imperative of maintaining peace and stability along their shared border as a cornerstone for enhancing bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi emphasized adherence to existing agreements and understandings regarding border issues, highlighting the importance of following through on commitments to avoid misunderstandings. This focus on peace is crucial given the history of tensions between the two nations along the Line of Actual Control, a historically contentious area.
Efforts toward a fair resolution of the boundary dispute were supported by both leaders, who called for solutions that would be mutually acceptable. This approach aims to ensure that longstanding border issues do not hinder the potential for positive developments in other areas of the bilateral relationship. By focusing on cooperation and understanding, India and China aim to build a more stable and productive partnership.
The backdrop to these discussions includes an agreement reached in October 2024 that saw both countries commit to disengaging troops from several points of friction in the Ladakh sector. This agreement marked a significant step in de-escalating a prolonged military standoff, reflecting a mutual desire to improve relations and avoid conflict. The recent dialogue between Modi and Xi builds on this progress, reinforcing their commitment to a peaceful and cooperative future.