Tianjin (China), Aug 31: India is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Sunday.
He added that the cooperation between India and China will pave the way for the "welfare of the entire humanity".
According to sources, the meeting was aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and building on recent progress in India-China relations. It took place on the sidelines of the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and also came in the context of threats from the US regarding tariffs.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping for the invitation, stating, "I thank President Xi Jinping for your invitation. Last year, we held fruitful discussions in Kazan, which helped in providing a positive trend to our relations. After the disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created. There is an agreement between our special representatives in the field of border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has started again. Direct flights are also being resumed between the two nations."
He emphasized that the cooperation between the two nations directly impacts the lives of 2.8 billion people.
"This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity," said PM Modi.
He also extended his congratulations to President Xi Jinping on assuming the Chairmanship of the SCO. The meeting was attended by senior officials from both governments, including India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The last meeting between the two leaders occurred on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. A breakthrough in their dialogue was achieved after both sides agreed on patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), helping to de-escalate a four-year-long border standoff.
The discussions between PM Modi and Xi Jinping also covered the ongoing border issues between the two countries.
Experts believe that the meeting in Tianjin is both "symbolic" and crucial for reinforcing bilateral relations, while also serving as a strong response to the tariffs imposed by the United States.
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