China has expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments on India’s independent foreign policy, following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Beijing values Modi’s assertion that India’s relationship with China will be shaped independently, free from the influence of third-party nations. This understanding underscores the importance of China and India viewing each other as partners, committed to supporting mutual development.
During the meeting, President Xi emphasized that despite the differing national circumstances of China and India, both nations should prioritize cooperation. He advocated for managing differences through mutual respect and understanding, highlighting a collaborative approach as the foundation for their bilateral relations. Meanwhile, India maintained that maintaining peace and stability along their shared border remains crucial for advancing ties between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings concerning border issues, pointing out that resolving these matters is essential for improving the bilateral relationship. Both leaders reiterated their support for efforts aimed at reaching a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary dispute, stressing that differences should not escalate into conflicts.
This meeting between the leaders comes in the wake of years of tensions along the Line of Actual Control. Notably, India and China achieved a significant milestone in October 2024 by agreeing to disengage troops from several conflict points in the Ladakh sector. This agreement has been instrumental in alleviating a prolonged military standoff, paving the way for a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two Asian giants.