Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of India-China friendship during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Tianjin on Sunday. Highly highlighting her shared historical and cultural relations, Xi said that it is a “right decision” to befriend the two countries.
He also mentioned that the partnership between “Dragon and Elephant” makes each other’s success possible. Xi emphasized that it is a common responsibility to promote India and China’s welfare, solidarity and progress as two ancient civilizations and the world’s most populous countries.
Xi Jinping said, “China and India are the two ancient civilizations located in the east. We are the two most populous countries in the world and also important members of Global South. Be it partners who are helpful in each other’s success, and dragons and elephants come together. “
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi committed to pursue India-China relations on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity during bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He appreciated the progress made on relations and various fronts of peace after the return of soldiers from the border posts. He also mentioned the beginning of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the introduction of direct flight connectivity between the two countries. He said that there has been a consensus on border management between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi said, “Last year, we had a very useful discussion in Kazan, which gave a positive direction to our relationship. After the return of the soldiers on the border, there has been an atmosphere of peace and stability.”
Prime Minister Modi said, “There has been an agreement between our special representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights are also being restored between the two countries. With our cooperation, the interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are connected. It will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to carry forward our relations on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity.”
He thanked the Chinese President for his warm welcome and congratulated China for successfully presiding over the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. “I congratulate you for the successful chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization by China. I thank you for the invitation to come to China and today for our meeting.”
Prime Minister Modi reached the city on Saturday evening. This was his first visit to China in more than seven years.
Recently, India and China have taken several steps to smooth their bilateral relations, including Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.
During the journey of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 18 and 19 August, both sides agreed to restore direct flight service between China and India as soon as possible and finalize an updated air service agreement. He also agreed to the visa facility for tourists, businesses, media and other visitors coming from both directions.
The summit of Shanghai Cooperation Sangathan (SCO) will begin this evening at Meijiang Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin. After the reception and photography season, the leaders will attend a reception and a concert.
The SCO has ten members. Apart from India, these include Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. In addition, there are many dialogues partners and supervisors. India has been a member of the SCO since 2017 and has been an observer since 2005. During the summit, Prime Minister Modi will also meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The SCO summit is important for India, as it is happening after the implementation of 50 percent tariffs imposed by the US. 25 percent of these tariffs were imposed on New Delhi on purchasing crude oil from Russia.
