PM Modi affirms his dedication towards enhancing India-China diplomatic relations during his encounter with President Xi.
India and China Strengthen Ties Amidst Global Pressure
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently in China, marking his first visit in seven years, as both nations aim to strengthen their relationship amidst global pressure.
The meeting comes five days after Washington imposed punishing 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil. In response, both India and China have lifted reciprocal tourist visa restrictions, signalling a thaw in their relations.
Modi and China's President Xi Jinping had a bilateral meeting, during which Modi emphasised India's commitment to progressing relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivities. He also mentioned an atmosphere of "peace and stability" that has been created on the disputed Himalayan border, and an agreement regarding border management, without providing details.
For decades, Washington had cultivated ties with New Delhi in the hope that it would act as a regional counterweight to Beijing. However, recent developments suggest a shift in India's foreign policy, with Modi seeking to hedge against renewed tariff threats from Washington.
China, for its part, has agreed to lift export curbs on rare earths, fertilisers, and tunnel boring machines this month. This move, analysts say, is part of Xi and Modi's efforts to present a united front against Western pressure.
China also opposes Washington's steep tariffs on India and will "firmly stand with India," according to Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong. In recent months, China has allowed Indian pilgrims to visit Buddhist sites in Tibet.
The leaders had a breakthrough meeting in Russia last year after reaching a border patrol agreement. This latest meeting is a continuation of that effort, as both nations engage in a lengthy and fraught process of defining a new equilibrium in their relationship.
Direct flights between India and China, which have been suspended since 2020, are also being resumed, although a timeframe for this has not been provided.
It's important to note that recent talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul aimed for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement, but no specific deal on flight traffic or export restrictions was publicly reported. No clear agreement between countries on flight traffic or lifting export restrictions is noted in the latest available sources.
As the world grapples with geopolitical tensions, the strengthening of ties between India and China could have significant implications for the global balance of power. The two nations, with their combined population of over 2.7 billion people, are poised to play increasingly important roles in shaping the future of international relations.
