During the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a comprehensive four-point plan aimed at reviving and strengthening the often complex and fragile relationship between China and India. Acknowledging the importance of maintaining peace and promoting cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, Xi Jinping made suggestions that emphasized strategic communication, mutual trust and collaborative efforts on multiple fronts.
His first point called for enhancing strategic dialogue and communication channels, encouraging the two countries to engage in open, coherent and transparent exchanges to lay the foundation for mutual trust. This approach aims to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations that could escalate tensions, especially given their shared border disputes.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The second recommendation focused on expanding exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including trade, culture, education and technology.
Xi Jinping emphasized that increased people-to-people contacts and joint initiatives could serve as a bridge to better understanding and friendship. The third point highlighted the importance of pursuing mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, and urged the two countries to find solutions that would strengthen their respective development goals while contributing to regional stability.
Xi emphasised that collaborative projects and economic partnerships can drive development and bring concrete benefits to the populations of both countries. Finally, Xi stressed the importance of considering each other’s concerns, especially with regard to border security and sovereignty, as well as actively enhancing multilateral cooperation to safeguard shared interests.
He emphasised that the two countries should work together within frameworks such as the SCO to promote peace, stability and development in the region, and acknowledged that their shared challenges, from economic uncertainties to geopolitical rivalry, require collective efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively, appreciating the constructive proposals and emphasising India’s commitment to building a stable and peaceful relationship with China.
The meeting in Tianjin, held on the sidelines of the SCO summit, was Modi’s first visit to China in seven years—a significant diplomatic move aimed at easing long-standing tensions and reviving bilateral ties. The meeting is widely seen as a potential turning point towards reducing confrontation and creating a more cooperative environment, especially amid global trade challenges, such as tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, and current economic uncertainties.
During the talks, the two leaders focused on building mutual trust, maintaining peace along their shared border, and expanding bilateral trade and investment. Modi highlighted the importance of peace and stability in the border areas, citing the successful disengagement of troops last year and ongoing initiatives to ensure peace along the Line of Actual Control.
The two leaders reiterated their vision of seeing each other as development partners rather than rivals and recognised the potential for mutual growth through cooperation. Additionally, they discussed the importance of strategic autonomy and stressed that the two countries should pursue independent paths that serve their national interests while cooperating on global issues such as climate change, regional security, and economic stability.
Xi Jinping has committed to these principles.
Reaffirmed China’s commitment to the bilateral relations and expressed hope that their dialogue will pave the way for a more harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship, leading to a future of shared prosperity and regional stability. Favourable environment for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. Modi emphasised that mutual understanding and open dialogue are essential to resolve differences and build a stable partnership.
He expressed hope that the two countries will work together to overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities for regional development and global progress.
During their meeting, Xi and Modi discussed a wide range of issues, including economic cooperation, border management and regional security. Xi reiterated China’s commitment to strengthen economic ties with India and highlighted the potential for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
He emphasised that as major players in the global South, the two countries should cooperate to promote sustainable development and address shared concerns such as climate change and pandemic recovery. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining peace along their shared border, especially in light of past tensions. They agreed on the need for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to ensure stability and prevent misunderstandings.
Xi stressed that respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the fundamental basis of their relations, and called for adhering to existing agreements and protocols. The discussions also touched upon regional issues, including stability in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region. Xi Jinping highlighted China’s willingness to engage constructively in regional affairs and reiterated support for regional organisations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Modi echoed the same sentiment and stressed the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity to promote economic growth and security.
The two leaders expressed optimism about the future of China-India relations, recognising the enormous potential for cooperation.
They agreed that this relationship should be based on mutual benefit, respect and a shared vision for regional and global stability. Xi Jinping said the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations is an opportune moment to renew commitment and chart a win-win path for the people of the two countries.
In his closing speech, Xi Jinping called for adopting a strategic, long-term approach in managing their relations. He urged the two countries to deepen people-to-people exchanges, promote cultural understanding, and foster mutual trust. Xi also stressed the importance of multilateralism and the need to advocate for a multipolar world order that reflects the diverse interests of nations, especially within international institutions such as the United Nations.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s willingness to work constructively with China and emphasised that peaceful coexistence and mutual respect are the foundations of their relationship. He reiterated India’s commitment to resolve outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomatic means. Modi expressed hope that bilateral ties will continue to grow stronger and contribute to regional stability and global progress.
The bilateral meeting, which lasted over 50 minutes, took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.
The meeting took place amid complex geopolitical dynamics, including ongoing US tariffs and trade tensions, and China’s strategic positioning towards the United States. Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, following the border clashes in the Galwan Valley, was an important step towards rebuilding trust and fostering cooperative ties between the two Asian giants.
As the leaders concluded their discussions, there was a shared understanding that despite differences, India and China’s future rests on their ability to cooperate, respect each other’s sovereignty, and work together for regional and global peace. Both Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi left the meeting with a new sense of purpose—an acknowledgment that their nations, as ancient civilisations with a shared history, must pursue a peaceful, prosperous future based on friendship and mutual understanding.
About the Author
