Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi_1

On October 23, local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS leaders’ summit in Kazan.

President Xi highlighted that both China and India are ancient civilizations, developing countries, and significant members of the Global South, currently at critical junctures in their modernization efforts. He emphasized the importance of both nations understanding historical trends and the direction of their bilateral relations, which align with the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. He urged both sides to enhance communication and cooperation, increase strategic mutual trust, and support each other’s developmental aspirations. Additionally, both nations should shoulder international responsibilities, set an example for other developing countries, and contribute to the promotion of a multipolar world and democratized international relations.

Xi underscored that the essence of Sino-Indian relations lies in how two neighboring developing powers, each with populations exceeding 1.4 billion, coexist. He identified development as the most significant “common ground” for both nations. Xi called for both sides to adhere to key agreements, such as viewing each other as development opportunities rather than threats and being partners rather than competitors. He advocated for a strategic understanding that encourages harmonious coexistence and mutual development between the two neighboring giants.

Prime Minister Modi remarked on the significance of stable relations between India and China for both countries and their peoples, impacting the well-being and future of 2.8 billion individuals, as well as contributing to regional and global peace and stability. In light of the complex current international situation, he asserted that cooperation between these two ancient civilizations and major economic engines could promote economic recovery and global multipolarity. Modi expressed India’s willingness to enhance strategic communication with China, build mutual trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation. He also pledged full support for China’s rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and aimed to strengthen communication and collaboration in BRICS and other multilateral frameworks.

The two leaders positively assessed the important progress made through intensive communication on resolving border issues. Modi proposed ideas and suggestions for improving and developing bilateral relations, to which Xi expressed his principled agreement.

They agreed to effectively utilize the special representative meeting mechanism to address border issues, jointly maintain peace and security in border areas, and seek fair and reasonable solutions.

Both sides consented to engage in dialogue among foreign ministers and officials at various levels to guide bilateral relations back to a stable development trajectory.

They also agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation in multilateral settings to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

The two leaders considered the meeting constructive and significant, agreeing to approach Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, ensuring that specific differences do not disrupt the overall relations, and contributing positively to regional and global peace and prosperity, as well as promoting a multipolar world.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others attended the meeting.