Committed to advancing ties based on mutual trust and sensitivity: PM Modi to Xi Jinping

Tianjin- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Sunday, reaffirmed that India is committed to advancing bilateral relations on the basis of “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.” He added that cooperation between the two nations would contribute to the “welfare of the entire humanity.”

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focused on strengthening bilateral ties and building on recent progress in India-China relations. It also came against the backdrop of rising US tariff pressures.

In his opening remarks, PM Modi said, “I thank President Xi Jinping for the invitation. Last year in Kazan, we had fruitful discussions that gave a positive direction to our relations. Following disengagement at the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created. Our special representatives have reached an agreement on border management. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed, and direct flights between our two countries are being restored.”

Highlighting the importance of the relationship, Modi noted that the interests of 2.8 billion people in both nations are interconnected. “This cooperation will also pave the way for the welfare of humanity,” he said.

PM Modi also congratulated Xi Jinping on assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO. Senior officials including NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri from India, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, were present at the meeting.

The last Modi-Xi engagement took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. A recent breakthrough in dialogue was enabled after both sides agreed on new patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), easing a four-year border standoff.

Sunday’s talks also touched upon border issues. Experts believe the meeting holds symbolic and strategic significance — both for consolidating bilateral relations and as a counterbalance to US tariff measures.

With inputs from IANS