Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the need to view each other as partners in development rather than rivals during their bilateral meeting, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Sunday. The discussions marked a significant attempt at stabilizing relations between the two Asian giants following years of tension.
Partners in growth, not competitors
According to Misri, both leaders agreed that India and China are primarily focused on their respective domestic development goals, which makes cooperation more beneficial than rivalry. “It was also an element of consensus between them that a stable and amicable relationship between India and China can be to the benefit of the 2.8 billion people who live in the two countries,” Misri said.
The leaders also agreed that differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes, emphasizing the larger picture of shared interests over contentious issues.
Asian century vision
Highlighting the broader global context, Misri noted: “It is critical that India and China grow and cooperate if there is to be an Asian century and a functioning multipolar world order with a multipolar Asia at its heart.”
Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved since their last meeting in Kazan, particularly in strengthening people-to-people ties, and outlined guiding principles for future engagement.
Border discussions
The sensitive boundary issue featured prominently in the talks. Misri said the two leaders acknowledged the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of relative peace in border regions since then.
PM Modi stressed that peace and tranquillity at the borders is essential for the smooth development of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to use existing mechanisms to avoid disturbances that could impact the broader relationship.
Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal
President Xi put forward four suggestions to strengthen ties:
-
Strengthen strategic communication and deepen mutual trust
-
Expand exchanges and cooperation
-
Pursue mutual benefit and win-win results
-
Enhance multilateral cooperation to safeguard common interests
Foreign Secretary Misri said all four suggestions were received positively by Prime Minister Modi.
The meeting signals an effort by both countries to stabilize relations and prevent disputes from derailing cooperation, at a time when their partnership is viewed as vital to shaping the global balance of power in Asia.
