Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on the occasion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, signaling a message of 'enhanced cooperation.' The two countries have been 'rivals' for a long time due to border disputes, but with recent pressures such as high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on China and India, there is a trend towards improving relations.
According to Xinhua News Agency on the 31st, President Xi met with Prime Minister Modi, who was visiting China for the SCO summit, at the Tianjin State Guest House. Xi said, '(The two countries) must enhance strategic communication and deepen mutual trust,' and noted, 'We are partners, not rivals, and if we can recognize this major direction that mutual development is an opportunity and not a threat, the relationship between China and India can go far in a stable manner.'
Prime Minister Modi also responded, saying, 'India and China are partners, not rivals, and our common understandings far exceed our differences.' He added, 'India is approaching and developing our bilateral relationship from a long-term perspective.' He particularly emphasized that 'In the face of the high uncertainty of the global economy, strengthening cooperation between India and China as major global economies is extremely important.'
Regarding the border dispute, one of the top issues for both countries, both expressed their willingness to cooperate. China and India have experienced years of 'uncomfortable' relations, even leading to armed clashes due to border disputes in the Himalayas.
President Xi stated, 'We must jointly safeguard peace and stability in the border region, and the border issue should not define the entire China-India relationship.' He further highlighted the need to 'enhance multilateral cooperation, protect common interests, and together promote the multipolarization of the world and the democratization of international relations, contributing to peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.'
Prime Minister Modi also noted, 'Recently, the border has been stable,' and expressed, 'India is willing to seek a resolution to the border issue that is fair and reasonable, and acceptable to both countries.'
The two countries are seeking to improve relations amid U.S. tariff pressures. Modi's visit to China after seven years since the 2018 SCO summit is also viewed as part of this trend towards improved relations. However, Modi will only participate in the SCO summit until the 1st of next month and has decided not to attend the military parade for the 80th anniversary of China's 'Victory Day' on the 3rd.