In a significant diplomatic development, China has expressed a positive response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertions regarding India’s independent foreign policy. This follows Modi’s bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the margins of the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun highlighted that Beijing appreciates Modi’s statement which emphasized that India’s relationship with China remains uninfluenced by third-party nations. This meeting underscored the mutual understanding that China and India should continue to be partners, bolstering each other’s growth.
President Xi conveyed that despite the different national contexts of China and India, the focus should remain steadfast on collaboration while effectively managing their differences through mutual respect and understanding. Meanwhile, the Indian stance, as articulated by Modi, stressed that maintaining peace and stability along the border is paramount for advancing bilateral ties. Modi also reiterated the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings concerning border issues.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working towards a fair and agreeable resolution of the boundary disputes, emphasizing that any differences should be carefully managed to prevent them from escalating into conflicts. This meeting marks an important step forward following years of tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where both nations have experienced prolonged military standoffs.
In a move toward de-escalation, India and China had previously reached an agreement in October 2024 to disengage troops from several contentious points in the Ladakh sector. This agreement has been a crucial step in easing tensions and fostering a more stable environment along the border. The recent discussions between Modi and Xi reflect a shared interest in resolving issues amicably and ensuring that diplomatic engagements continue to focus on peace and collaboration.