‘China and India Are Partners, Not Rivals’: Xi Jinping at BRICS

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed on Saturday that China and India should view each other as partners rather than rivals, emphasizing that the world’s two most populous nations present mutual development opportunities rather than strategic threats. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Xi called for a long-term strategic approach to stabilize and enhance diplomatic and economic relations.

The high-level interaction marks President Xi’s first visit to India in nearly seven years. Both leaders underscored the necessity of expanding common ground, maintaining peace along their shared border, and strengthening economic collaboration amid shifting global dynamics. PM Modi, Xi Jinping Hold Bilateral Meeting at BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Push for Stronger Ties.

A Four-Point Framework for Bilateral Stability

During the bilateral talks, President Xi outlined a four-point approach aimed at securing the steady, long-term trajectory of China-India ties. The framework prioritizes rational strategic understanding, win-win economic cooperation, mutual respect, and joint engagement within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, SCO, BRICS, and the G20.

Addressing the bilateral dynamic, Xi noted that despite differences in national circumstances, both countries possess the capacity to support each other’s growth. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the continuous progress in bilateral engagement, reiterating that relations must be anchored in three core principles: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.

Border Tranquility and Managing Differences

A central theme of the discussions was the management of long-standing border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Prime Minister Modi emphasized that maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas remains an essential foundation for the broader development of bilateral relations.

Both leaders agreed that historical differences should not be allowed to escalate into active disputes. They expressed a continued commitment to pursuing a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution to boundary questions while observing existing agreements to ensure stability on the ground. Warm Handshakes, Global Bonhomie: PM Modi Shares Moments With Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping As 18th BRICS Summit Begins.

Addressing Economic Concerns and Trade Deficits

Economic engagement formed another key pillar of the talks. China remains India’s largest bilateral trade partner, but New Delhi has consistently raised concerns over a widening trade deficit and market access barriers for Indian goods.

The two sides agreed on the need to address structural trade imbalances and supply chain bottlenecks. Discussions focused on creating predictable market access and enhancing commercial cooperation to support economic stability across Asia and the broader Global South.

Transitioning from Standoff to Engagement

Bilateral relations experienced a severe strain following the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh, leading to a prolonged political freeze and heavy border militarization. However, sustained diplomatic and military dialogues over subsequent years facilitated disengagement arrangements along key friction points.

Since late 2024, New Delhi and Beijing have gradually restored high-level dialogue, eased visa restrictions, and resumed direct flights and cultural exchanges. The New Delhi summit reflects a broader effort by both Asian powers to move from a operational reset toward structured diplomatic normalcy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 11:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).