Xi, Modi Meet at BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting marked Xi’s first visit to India in nearly seven years and came as the two countries seek to consolidate a gradual thaw in ties strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

The roughly 40-minute meeting saw both leaders underline the steady improvement in India-China relations and the need to build on the progress made over the past two years. Xi said bilateral relations had moved from a “new start” or “restart” after their meetings in Kazan in 2024 and Tianjin in 2025 to a “new elevation”. He highlighted the gradual resumption of institutional exchanges, an expanding agenda for cooperation, and the growth in bilateral trade, which he said had reached a new high.

Xi described the progress as hard-won and said the improvement in ties was something that “deserves to be cherished.” He also stressed that China and India should see each other as partners rather than rivals and treat each other’s development as an opportunity instead of a threat.

Modi, meanwhile, underlined that peace and tranquillity along the border remain essential for the continued development of bilateral relations. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of adhering to existing agreements and maintaining efforts towards a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question.

The two leaders also discussed ways to expand economic and people-to-people ties, covering greater business linkages, cultural exchanges, and mobility between the two countries. They also discussed concerns surrounding trade imbalances and supply chains, with an emphasis on making economic cooperation more balanced.

Both sides agreed that differences between India and China should not turn into disputes and that the relationship should be viewed from a strategic and long-term perspective. The meeting comes against the backdrop of sustained efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise relations while the broader boundary dispute remains unresolved.

Xi called for greater multilateral coordination between the two countries, and Modi conveyed best wishes for China’s BRICS Presidency that commences next year. The meeting is seen as a significant step towards strengthening India-China ties, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of cooperation and mutual respect.

The improvement in India-China relations is a positive development, given the complexities and challenges in the bilateral relationship. The two countries have a long-standing boundary dispute, and tensions have flared up in the past. However, the recent efforts to stabilise relations and expand cooperation are a welcome step towards building a more stable and peaceful relationship.

The meeting between Xi and Modi is also significant in the context of the BRICS Summit, which brings together major emerging economies to discuss global issues and promote cooperation. The summit provides a platform for India and China to engage with other countries and promote their interests, while also strengthening their bilateral relationship.

In the coming months and years, it will be important to see how the India-China relationship evolves, particularly in the context of the boundary dispute and other challenges. However, for now, the meeting between Xi and Modi is a positive step towards building a more cooperative and peaceful relationship between the two countries.

The significance of the meeting cannot be overstated, as it marks a new era in India-China relations. The two countries have a lot to gain from cooperation, and the meeting is a step in the right direction. As Xi said, the Chinese people do not provoke others, nor do they shy away from trouble. This statement reflects the willingness of China to engage with India and promote cooperation, while also being mindful of the complexities and challenges in the relationship.

In conclusion, the meeting between Xi and Modi is a significant development in India-China relations, marking a new era of cooperation and mutual respect. The two countries have a long way to go in resolving their differences, but the meeting is a positive step towards building a more stable and peaceful relationship.