New Delhi, Sept. 12 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said India and China can "fully learn" from each other's strengths and support one another during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday.
The meeting is significant as Xi is visiting India for the first time in seven years. It comes amid efforts by both countries to stabilise ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and subsequent tensions along the Line of Actual Control.
Speaking during the meeting, Xi said China views its relationship with India from a "strategic and long-term perspective". He stressed that the two countries should strengthen cooperation, support each other's development and contribute to global peace and stability.
Xi also called for "high-quality cooperation" between the two countries, noting their importance as major members of the Global South. He said India and China should work together towards common development and a more multipolar world.
Modi thanked Xi for China's cooperation in hosting the BRICS summit. China is scheduled to take over the BRICS chairmanship next year and host the 19th summit.
The bilateral talks come as India-China relations show signs of a cautious improvement. Since the 2024 disengagement agreement, the two sides have taken steps to restore diplomatic and people-to-people engagement, including the resumption of direct flights and improvements in visa arrangements. However, unresolved border issues, trade imbalances and strategic differences continue to pose challenges.
The Modi-Xi meeting is being closely watched for indications of how far the recent thaw can progress. While both sides have signalled a willingness to strengthen engagement, the long-standing border dispute and broader strategic differences remain key issues in the relationship.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.