Trade agreements, discourses on terrorism, and discussions on border tranquility were the primary focuses at the recent meeting between Modi, Xi, and other world leaders in Tianjin.
In the bustling city of Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The summit, which brought together about 20 heads of state, aimed to advance cooperation among member states and partner countries.
During the meeting, Modi and Xi discussed a range of topics, with economic ties receiving special attention. Both leaders emphasized the importance of increasing and balancing trade between the two countries. This focus on trade reflects the growing economic interdependence between India and China.
The sensitive boundary issue was also discussed, with both leaders noting the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions since then. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong urged India and China to work together to ensure peace in their border regions and not let the border issue define overall China-India relations.
Cross-border terrorism was another prominent topic, with PM Modi requesting China's support on this issue. Both leaders recognized the role India and China play in stabilizing world trade.
In addition to his meeting with Xi Jinping, Modi interacted with various world leaders during the SCO Summit reception. He engaged in productive conversations with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, as well as with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reinforcing the warmth of India-Armenia relations.
Modi also spoke with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh about enhancing defense, trade, and green energy cooperation. Discussions with Turkmenistan's President Serdar Berdimuhamedow covered bilateral and regional issues. With the President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, Modi highlighted the benefits of deepening cultural and trade ties.
Xu highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and stressed the importance of strategic and long-term perspectives in handling their ties. President Xi suggested four steps for advancing relations: strengthening strategic communication, deepening mutual trust, expanding cooperation for mutual benefit, accommodating each other's concerns, and reinforcing multilateral collaboration to protect shared interests.
PM Modi is set to address the SCO Summit's plenary session and hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions at the SCO Summit underscore the importance of diplomatic relations between India and China, and the potential for these two nations to be partners helping each other succeed, rather than rivals.
