China has expressed approval of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on India’s independent foreign policy, made during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun highlighted that Beijing appreciated Modi’s assertion that India’s relationship with China is not swayed by third-party influences. The meeting underscored the importance of India and China maintaining a partnership and supporting each other’s development.
President Xi emphasized that despite the different national circumstances facing China and India, the focus should remain on cooperation. He stressed the need for both nations to manage their differences with mutual respect and understanding, rather than allowing disagreements to escalate into disputes. This sentiment was echoed by Modi, who highlighted the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings concerning border issues to maintain peace and stability.
The discussions between the leaders come in the wake of prolonged tensions along the Line of Actual Control. In October 2024, both countries reached an agreement to disengage troops from several friction points in the Ladakh sector, which has contributed to easing the military standoff that persisted for years. The resolution of these border issues is seen as crucial for enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
Both Modi and Xi endorsed efforts to find a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary dispute. They agreed that while differences are inevitable, it is essential to prevent these from developing into broader conflicts. This mutual understanding is expected to guide future engagements between India and China as they work towards a more stable and cooperative relationship.