India is dedicated to strengthening its relationship with China by building trust, showing respect, and being considerate of each other's concerns. This is because the cooperation between the two nations affects the well-being of over 2.8 billion people, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday.
In his televised opening speech at the meeting, Modi also mentioned that the withdrawal of troops by both sides along the border helped create a peaceful and stable situation.
The discussion between the two leaders took place during the annual Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in this northern Chinese city, happening at a time when things were uncertain because of the disagreements over tariffs by the Trump administration.
"Our cooperation is linked to the interests of 2.8 billion people of our two countries. This will also pave the way for the welfare of all humanity," Modi said.
"We are committed to advancing our relations based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity," he said.
The Modi-Xi talks were largely focused on advancing efforts to normalise bilateral relations, which have been under severe strain since the eastern Ladakh border standoff.
Modi arrived here last evening from Japan, marking the second leg of his two-nation tour and his first visit to China since the border tensions that began in May 2020. In his address, Modi also highlighted the steps taken by both countries since his meeting with Xi in October last year.
"Last year in Kazan, we had very productive discussions, which gave a positive direction to our relations." "After the disengagement at the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability is now in place. Our Special Representatives have also reached an agreement on border management," Modi said.
"The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed. Direct flights are also being resumed between the two countries," he added.
The prime minister held talks with the Chinese president in October last year in Russia's Kazan, which took place days after India and China reached an understanding to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh.
India and China have a framework called the Special Representatives on the boundary question to address issues relating to the border.
The prime minister also congratulated Xi on China's successful presidency of the SCO.
"I congratulate China on its successful presidency of the SCO. Once again, we extend heartfelt gratitude for the invitation to visit China and for our meeting today," Modi said.
The specific outcomes of the Modi-Xi talks are not yet known.
Ahead of his trip to Tianjin, Modi said it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the world economic order.
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In an interview with Japan's The Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi said stable, predictable, and amicable bilateral relations between India and China can have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.
"Given the current volatility in the world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order," Modi said in the interview published on Friday.
Modi's visit to China happens just a few weeks after the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, went to India. After talking with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Wang and the other side announced several steps to build a relationship that is stable, cooperative, and focused on the future.
The efforts involved working together to keep peace on the disputed border, restarting trade across the border, and getting flights to start again as soon as possible. In the past few months, both countries have started taking steps to improve their relationship, which had become very tense after the deadly fighting between Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley in June 2020.
Also Read: PM Modi meets Jinping on the sidelines of SCO summit
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