India and China Pledge Better Ties at High-Level Summit

Modi met Xi Jinping after seven years at the SCO summit in China. / Image-Reuters

Summary

• Modi met Xi Jinping after seven years at the SCO summit in China.

• Both leaders agreed to work on ties with mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity for border peace.

• They reached agreements on border management, resuming direct flights, and easing some trade restrictions.

• The meeting happened soon after the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, so India and China showed unity against Western pressure.

• Despite progress, they still face challenges like trade imbalance, border disputes, and water issues.

In a key move toward resolving tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit. This marks Modi's first visit to China in seven years and follows a period of strained relations after deadly border clashes in 2020.

Messages from the Leaders

Modi highlighted New Delhi’s commitment to progressing relations with Beijing, stating the partnership should be “based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities.” President Xi echoed this, saying it's “the right choice for both countries to be friends” and called for both nations to focus on partnership instead of rivalry. Both leaders agreed that the well-being of 2.8 billion people in India and China depends on stability and cooperation.

Peace on the Border and New Partnerships

India and China have reached agreements on managing their disputed Himalayan border, which saw major conflict in 2020. Both leaders agreed that the border issue should not define the entire relationship. Progress was also made towards resuming direct flights between India and China and easing trade restrictions on important goods like rare earths and fertilizers.

United Against External Pressure and Trade Tensions

The timing of these talks is significant. After the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports, India and China are working together to push back on Western economic pressures. Chinese officials assured that China “firmly stands with India” on these issues.

Remaining Challenges and What Lies Ahead

Although the atmosphere is improving, deep-rooted challenges remain. India still faces a large trade deficit with China, and concerns about a Chinese mega-dam in Tibet affecting India’s water supply persist. Hosting the Dalai Lama and China’s support for Pakistan also add complexity to the relationship.

Conclusion: A New Chapter Begins

The Modi-Xi meeting sent a clear message: India is committed to improving ties with China and shaping a stable, peaceful region together. As direct flights and new agreements restart, both countries stand at an important turning point for their people and for the wider world.

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