Mapping out ‘Mutual Trust, Mutual Respect, and Mutual Sensitivity’ as a basis to create trust in bilateral ties with China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday outlined the importance of India-China relations at the first in five years bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Mutual Trust, Mutual Respect, and Mutual Sensitivity should continue to be the basis of our relations. Today we have got an opportunity to discuss all these issues. I am confident that we will talk with an open mind, and our discussion will be constructive,” PM Modi said.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of 16th Brics summit in Russia a day after the two countries announced that they had reached an understanding over army patrolling at the LAC. “Met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Kazan Brics Summit. India-China relations are important for the people of our countries, and for regional and global peace and stability,” PM Modi said.
Met President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Kazan BRICS Summit.
India-China relations are important for the people of our countries, and for regional and global peace and stability.
Mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual sensitivity will guide bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/tXfudhAU4b
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2024
The latest announcements, by the two countries early this week, to work together to normalise tensions at the border, following deadly clashes in 2020, has not just led to the first meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and PM Modi since 2019 but may also bring stability in the region.
“ I am pleased to meet you. And like you have said, we are meeting formally after 5 years. We believe that the importance of India-China relations is not just for our people. Our relations are also important for global peace, stability and progress,” PM Modi said.
While also praising the Brics Summit in Kazan, PM Modi has said that it “was very productive. Had the opportunity to discuss diverse issues and meet various world leaders. I thank President Putin, the Russian people and Government for their hospitality. Here are the highlights.”
The BRICS Summit in Kazan was very productive. Had the opportunity to discuss diverse issues and meet various world leaders. I thank President Putin, the Russian people and Government for their hospitality. Here are the highlights. pic.twitter.com/1guOhvA2Q7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 23, 2024
During the meeting the two leaders also affirmed that stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China, as two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, will have a positive impact in the region. ‘It will also contribute to a multi-polar Asia and a multi-polar world.’ The two leaders also discussed the need for better bilateral relations that may help bring strategic gains in the long-term and enhance strategic communication to address developmental challenges.
Also welcoming the recent agreement for complete disengagement and resolution of issues that arose in 2020 in the India-China border areas, PM Modi underscored the importance of properly handling differences and disputes and not allowing them to disturb peace and tranquility. The meeting also saw agreement over Special Representatives meeting at an early date to oversee the management of border issues, which are mutually acceptable. The two leaders also agreed to create relevant dialogue mechanisms at Foreign Ministers level to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations.
