China has expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments regarding India’s independent foreign policy, following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Beijing values Modi’s assertion that India’s relationship with China remains uninfluenced by other countries. This meeting underscored the shared understanding that China and India should act as partners, supporting each other’s development.
During the discussions, President Xi emphasized that despite differing national circumstances, China and India should prioritize cooperation while managing their differences through mutual respect and understanding. The dialogue highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border as a foundation for improving bilateral relations. Modi underscored the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings regarding border issues.
Both leaders expressed support for efforts aimed at reaching a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary dispute. They emphasized that while differences exist, they should not escalate into disputes. This diplomatic engagement comes after a prolonged period of tensions along the Line of Actual Control between the two nations.
In a significant development, India and China had previously reached an agreement in October 2024 to disengage troops from several friction points in the Ladakh sector. This agreement has played a crucial role in easing the longstanding military standoff, fostering a more conducive environment for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.