In the wake of the recent BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, China has expressed approval of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements regarding India’s commitment to an independent foreign policy. This came after a bilateral meeting between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that Beijing appreciates Modi’s indication that relations between India and China will not be swayed by external influences. The discussions highlighted a mutual understanding that both nations should act as partners, fostering each other’s development.
During the meeting, Xi Jinping acknowledged the distinct national contexts of China and India but stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries. He proposed that maintaining mutual respect and understanding could help manage differences, suggesting that collaboration should take precedence over discord. Modi, for his part, underscored the necessity of peace and stability along the shared border as a crucial factor for enhancing bilateral ties. He reiterated the importance of adhering to pre-existing agreements and understandings concerning border matters.
The dialogue between the two leaders also focused on seeking a balanced and mutually agreeable resolution to the boundary issue that has long been a point of contention. Both Modi and Xi emphasized that differences should not escalate into conflicts, indicating a commitment to diplomatic solutions. This meeting is part of ongoing efforts to reduce tensions that have persisted along the Line of Actual Control, a contentious border area between the two nations.
In a significant development aimed at de-escalating military tensions, India and China reached an agreement in October 2024 to withdraw troops from several disputed areas in the Ladakh sector. This agreement has been instrumental in easing a prolonged military standoff, paving the way for improved relations. The recent summit provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and cooperation.