New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping departed for China after attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking his first visit to India in seven years. During the second day of the summit, Xi attended the outreach session, listened to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address and joined other BRICS leaders for the official family photograph.
On the sidelines of the summit, Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the two leaders discussed the future course of India–China relations. Xi described the two countries as partners rather than rivals and called for efforts to resolve outstanding boundary-related issues while maintaining peace and stability along the border.
According to a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xi and Modi have met twice over the past two years. Beijing said these meetings have played an important role in bringing bilateral relations back on track and strengthening ties.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry also said that institutional-level communication between India and China has gradually resumed, while the scope of cooperation continues to expand. It added that bilateral trade has reached new record levels.
Beijing maintained that although India and China have different national circumstances, both countries can learn from each other’s strengths, support one another and pursue shared success.
Xi Jinping’s Four-Point Proposal for India–China Relations
President Xi outlined four broad suggestions for the long-term and stable development of India–China relations:
First, he called for an objective and balanced strategic understanding between the two countries. According to Xi, India and China should view each other as partners, not rivals, and regard each other’s development as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Second, Xi advocated greater cooperation and partnership aimed at achieving mutual gains. He said development should remain a shared objective, supported by friendly relations and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
Third, he stressed the importance of mutual respect and understanding to overcome differences. Xi said bilateral relations and boundary issues should be addressed in parallel, while ensuring peace and stability in the border areas.
Fourth, Xi called for stronger multilateral cooperation. He said India and China should support each other during their respective BRICS presidencies and expand coordination at platforms including the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and G20.
Xi also emphasised the need for India and China to work together in addressing global challenges, signalling Beijing’s push for greater coordination between the two major Asian powers on regional and international issues.