'Partners, not rivals'; Trump's tariff a silver lining as PM Modi, Xi restore friendly relations

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to stand together with mutual trust during their meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The two leaders made it clear that they are not rivals but partners.

The rare bonhomie is an attempt to grow their economies by ignoring the US tariffs imposed for importing oil from Russia. Both leaders highlighted the need to stand together to topple the common foe. They opined that differences should not turn into disputes, and India-China relations should be long-lasting.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri were present at the meeting on the sidelines of the summit in Tianjin, China. The meeting, which began at 9.30 am Indian time and was scheduled for 40 minutes, lasted for an hour.

Modi and Xi shared the view that they should move together for the welfare of the 2.8 billion people of the two countries. Trade was the chief topic of discussion. Both countries will try to reach a consensus on the border issue through diplomatic parleys. PM Modi thanked Xi for inviting him to the summit. Xi has also been invited to the BRICS summit to be held in India in 2026. Thanking him for the invitation, Xi promised full support to India's BRICS presidency.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The two leaders welcomed the progress in bilateral relations since their meeting in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao attended the meeting. Modi also met with Cai Qi, a member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party.

Relations in the right direction

1. Stability and peace on the border

2. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed

3. Both countries will start direct flight services.

4. Visa procedures will be facilitated for each other

5. Common stance on global issues, including combating terrorism