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‘Differences Must Not Become Disputes’: Modi-Xi Meet Sends Big Message on India-China Ties
New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic moment at the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-level bilateral meeting, sending a strong message that differences between the two Asian powers should not be allowed to turn into disputes and that dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation must remain at the centre of their relationship.
The meeting assumes particular significance as it comes after years of tensions following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged India-China border standoff, and marks Xi Jinping’s first visit to India since those tensions escalated. During their talks, both leaders welcomed the steady progress in bilateral relations and stressed the need to build a relationship that is strategic, stable and focused on long-term cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised three key principles of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest, underlining that peace and stability along the border are essential for further developing bilateral ties. He also stressed the importance of both sides respecting existing border-related agreements and understandings and remaining committed to finding a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to outstanding boundary issues.
The discussions also placed emphasis on expanding people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, business connectivity and greater movement between the two countries, signalling an effort to broaden engagement beyond the border issue. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and expressed support for greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi appreciated China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship, while President Xi said India and China should work together to strengthen cooperation within BRICS.
Xi also stressed that the two countries could learn from each other’s strengths and pursue development through greater cooperation. The meeting therefore carries significance not only for bilateral relations but also for the wider BRICS grouping, where India and China remain two major economies and influential members. Both sides indicated that improved communication, greater cooperation and continued dialogue could help create a more stable environment for the relationship, even while differences remain on sensitive issues.
The latest engagement follows the leaders’ previous meeting in Tianjin in 2025 and comes amid efforts to maintain momentum in improving India-China ties. While major challenges, particularly the unresolved boundary question, remain, the Modi-Xi meeting has created fresh diplomatic space for engagement and reinforced the message that disagreements need to be managed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
For two neighbouring Asian powers with significant economic, strategic and global influence, the emphasis on peace, stability, mutual respect and cooperation could mark an important step towards opening a new chapter in India-China relations.
