Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi on Saturday for the two-day BRICS Summit, beginning his first visit to India in seven years as the two countries seek to stabilise ties after years of tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Xi on Saturday evening, with trade and investment ties expected to figure prominently in the discussions.
Ahead of Xi’s arrival, Beijing called for India and China to approach their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective while managing their differences appropriately.
Asked about the upcoming Modi-Xi meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said it would be the third consecutive year that the two leaders meet, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.
“China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighbourliness and partners helping each other succeed,” she said.
India-China Ties In Focus
Xi’s visit comes against the backdrop of efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to repair relations following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020.
The two sides have taken several confidence-building measures over the past year as they work towards stabilising bilateral ties. The upcoming Modi-Xi talks are therefore expected to be closely watched for indications of how the relationship could evolve.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing last month on the boundary issue, maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and measures to improve bilateral relations. (News18)
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