PM Modi Stresses Long-Term Approach To India-China Ties Ahead Of Xi Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India is committed to strengthening ties with China through a strategic and long-term approach based on mutual respect, shared interests, and sensitivity.

He made the remarks in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin.

PM Modi emphasised that stable India-China relations are crucial for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He will hold talks with Xi on 31 August on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

The meeting comes as ties between the Asian rivals show signs of thaw against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods.

PM Modi Links Ties to Regional Peace

PM Modi will visit China for the first time in seven years to attend the SCO summit, which also includes Russia and Iran as members. He recalled that his last meeting with Xi in Kazan had paved the way for positive progress in bilateral ties.

He added that stable and predictable relations between India and China will directly benefit the region.

“As two neighbours and the two largest nations on earth, amicable ties can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity,” PM Modi said.

Stability for a Multipolar World

The Prime Minister stressed that India-China relations are vital for a multipolar Asia and a multipolar world. He said both nations must work together to bring stability to the world economy during volatile times.

“India is ready to advance bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity. We will also enhance strategic communication to address our developmental challenges,” he said.

The prime minister left Delhi on Thursday for a two-day official visit to Japan to attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit from 29 to 30 August. Following this, he will travel to China for the SCO Summit, where he will also hold a crucial bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This visit marks Modi’s first trip to China since the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops.

Also Read: PM Modi Stresses India–Japan Commitment To Peaceful Indo-Pacific