Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

On October 23, during the BRICS Leaders’ Meeting in Kazan, Russian Federation, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In their conversation, President Xi emphasized the significance of understanding their shared history as ancient civilizations and major developing nations. He pointed out that both China and India are at crucial junctures in their modernization processes. It is vital for both nations to accurately grasp historical trends and the direction of their bilateral relations, which align with the fundamental interests of both countries and their people. He urged enhanced communication, cooperation, and mutual trust, highlighting the need for both countries to support each other’s developmental aspirations. Additionally, he called for both nations to embrace their international responsibilities, setting an example for the broader community of developing countries and contributing to a multipolar world and the democratization of international relations.

President Xi also articulated that the essence of China-India relations lies in how two neighboring developing countries with populations exceeding 1.4 billion can coexist. He noted that development is the biggest common ground for both nations. Xi stressed the importance of adhering to principles that view each other as opportunities for development rather than threats, and fostering a spirit of partnership instead of competition. He advocated for a collaborative approach to ensure peaceful coexistence and shared development as neighboring powers.

Prime Minister Modi responded by acknowledging the critical importance of stable and developing relations between India and China for both nations and their people, as well as for the welfare and future of 2.8 billion individuals. He highlighted that this stability is also essential for peace and stability in the region and worldwide. Amidst the current complex international landscape, Modi stated that cooperation between the two ancient civilizations and economic engines could aid economic recovery and support a multipolar world. He expressed India’s readiness to strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Modi also conveyed India’s full support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the desire to enhance collaboration within multilateral frameworks like BRICS.

Both leaders positively reflected on recent significant progress made through ongoing dialogue aimed at addressing border-related issues. Modi proposed ideas and suggestions for improving and developing bilateral relations, which President Xi generally supported.

They agreed to enhance the role of the special representatives’ mechanism on boundary issues to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in border areas and to seek fair and reasonable solutions. The two sides also concurred on the importance of dialogue among foreign ministers and officials at various levels to expedite the stabilization and development of their relationship.

Further, both leaders agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation in multilateral settings to uphold the common interests of developing nations.

The meeting was deemed constructive and significant, with both sides agreeing to approach their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective, ensuring that specific differences do not disrupt the overall framework of China-India relations. They committed to contributing positively to regional and global peace and prosperity while promoting a multipolar world.

Participating in the meeting were Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and other officials.