Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. After seven years, he engaged in a significant hour-long bilateral discussion with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Key topics were addressed between the leaders. Amidst President Donald Trump's tariff policies, Xi Jinping remarked, "It is vital that we become friends, good neighbors, and that the Dragon (China) and the Elephant (India) come together…"
During the nearly hour-long meeting, Prime Minister Modi underscored recent progress in bilateral relations. He highlighted the agreement between special representatives on the border dispute, the restoration of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the commencement of direct flights between the two countries. The Prime Minister stated, "The welfare of our 2.8 billion people is tied to our cooperation and it will pave the way for the well-being of all humanity." He added, "We are committed to advancing our relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity."
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Source: aajtak
Welcoming PM Modi, Xi Jinping said, "It's a pleasure to meet you again. I welcome you to China for the SCO Summit. We had a successful meeting last year in Kazan." Lauding the meeting as historic, Xi Jinping remarked that the world is undergoing significant changes. He emphasized that China and India not only represent two of the oldest civilizations but are also the populous nations of the world, part of the Global South.
75th Anniversary of India-China Diplomatic Relations
Chinese President Xi emphasized that this year marks the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, urging both nations to view their relationship strategically and with a long-term perspective. He stressed the importance of fulfilling historical responsibilities by promoting multilateralism, a multipolar world, and greater democracy in international institutions. He called for working together for peace and prosperity in Asia and globally.
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India's Strategy Amidst U.S. Tariff Dispute
On Monday, Prime Minister Modi is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Tianjin. This marks their first meeting at a time when the U.S. has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% for not halting oil purchases from Russia. The breakdown includes a 25% reciprocal tariff and a 25% penalty for continuing oil trade with Russia.
Prior to this U.S. tariff, India was cautiously pivoting towards China as a source of investment and technology while aiming to increase trade. India-China relations had reached a low following the 2020 Galwan clashes, preceded by the Doklam standoff and enduring mistrust over the years.
Source: aajtak
The thaw in relations began in October last year when Prime Minister Modi met Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in Russia. Before this, both leaders had kept a distance from each other at multilateral platforms. This meeting took place after the two countries agreed to stand down from remaining volatile areas along the line of actual control.
Now, amidst the downturn in U.S.-India relations, India finds renewed motivation to ease tension with Beijing. Experts note that Trump's trade war has reversed decades of U.S. diplomacy, where India was seen as a counterbalancing power against China.
Meeting Between PM Modi and Xi Jinping
During this meeting, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, India's Ambassador to China Pradeep Rawat, Joint Secretary - East Asia Gourang Lal Das, and Additional Secretary in PMO Deepak Mittal accompanied PM Modi. Xi Jinping's team included Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Premier Li Keqiang, Director General Office Cai Qi, and Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong.
