Xi Tells Modi: China and India Should Be Friends, Not Let Border Disputes Define Ties

Tianjin: Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it is in the best interest of both India and China to strengthen their friendship and not allow the long-standing border issues to shape their overall relationship.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. During their discussion, President Xi emphasized that India and China are not rivals, but partners in development. He said both countries offer each other valuable opportunities, and called for a joint effort to maintain peace along their shared border.

“India and China should not let the border situation define our ties,” Xi said. “We must work together to maintain peace and stability in our border areas.”

He added that both nations should look at the broader picture, especially as 2025 marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between them. Xi called for long-term strategic thinking, highlighting the need for mutual respect, deeper communication, and stronger cooperation in regional and global matters.

“It is the right choice for us to be friendly neighbours and partners who support each other’s success. Let the dragon and the elephant dance together,” he remarked, using a symbolic reference to the two nations.

Xi also pointed out that India and China, as two of the world’s oldest civilizations and most populous countries, have a shared responsibility to contribute to global peace and development. He urged both countries to uphold multilateralism and support a more democratic global order.

Without directly naming any country, Xi appeared to criticize unilateral policies—likely referring to the United States’ trade approach—saying that China and India should stand for a multipolar world and work together for the good of the Global South.

This meeting comes at a time when India’s relationship with the US has seen tensions, particularly due to recent trade and tariff decisions by Washington. Xi and Modi had not met for nearly ten months before this interaction, making the discussion even more noteworthy.

Source: PTI