Modi Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping, Pledges to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Tianjin: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday in the port city of Tianjin, expressing New Delhi’s commitment to improving relations with Beijing. The leaders agreed to set aside years of border tensions, signaling a thaw in long-standing disputes.

Modi is visiting China for the first time in seven years to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The summit includes Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders from Central, South, and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East, highlighting solidarity among Global South nations.

During the meeting, Modi emphasized advancing relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity. The encounter came just five days after the United States imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods following India’s purchase of Russian oil. Analysts suggest that Modi and Xi aim to present a united front against Western pressure.

Modi highlighted that a peaceful and stable environment has been established along the Himalayan border, which had been disrupted by the 2020 military clashes. He confirmed that both countries have reached an agreement on border management, though no further details were shared.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Xi stated that border issues should not define overall China-India relations. He added that relations could become stable and far-reaching if both nations see each other as partners rather than rivals.

Last year, the two leaders reached an agreement on border patrols in Russia, which initiated a gradual improvement in relations. Recent weeks have seen an acceleration in cooperation as New Delhi seeks to mitigate potential new trade tariffs from Washington.

Modi also mentioned that direct flights suspended since 2020 will resume, though no timeline has been announced. Earlier this month, during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India, both countries agreed to lift export restrictions on rare minerals, fertilizers, and tunneling machines.

Indian Ambassador to China Sujith S. Kumar noted that Beijing opposes U.S. tariffs and will stand firmly with India.

China has been India’s largest bilateral trading partner, though the long-standing trade deficit remains a concern, reaching a record $99.2 billion this year. The proposed mega-dam in Tibet has also raised concerns in India over potential reductions of up to 85% in the Brahmaputra River’s flow during dry seasons.

Both countries have eased travel restrictions, allowing Indian visitors to Buddhist religious sites in Tibet, while mutual tourism visa restrictions have been lifted. India also hosts the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing considers a separatist threat. Meanwhile, Pakistan, with which India experienced brief clashes in May, continues to receive strong Chinese support economically, diplomatically, and militarily.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in China

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also arrived in China to attend the SCO summit, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Before his departure, Sharif expressed anticipation for meetings with President Xi Jinping and other world leaders.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the PM is leading the Pakistani delegation at the SCO Heads of State Summit from August 31 to September 1. Leaders from Mongolia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Turkey, Egypt, Maldives, Myanmar, and other countries, along with the UN Secretary-General and heads of regional and international organizations, are also participating.

During the summit, Prime Minister Sharif is expected to highlight Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral cooperation, regional security, and sustainable development goals. He will hold bilateral meetings with other leaders to further strengthen diplomatic relations. He is also expected to meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss various aspects of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation.

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