China has expressed approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on India’s independent foreign policy, which were made following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. According to a statement by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Beijing appreciates Modi’s assertion that India’s relationship with China will not be swayed by third-party influences. This meeting highlighted a shared understanding that China and India should continue to be partners and support each other’s growth.
President Xi acknowledged the differences in national contexts between China and India but emphasized the importance of cooperation. He advocated for managing these differences through mutual respect and understanding. Modi, in turn, pointed out that maintaining peace and stability along the border is crucial for enhancing bilateral relations. He underscored the necessity of adhering to existing agreements and understandings regarding the border issues.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to working towards a fair and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary dispute. They stressed that while differences exist, they should not escalate into conflicts. This dialogue comes in the wake of prolonged tensions along the Line of Actual Control, where both nations have experienced military standoffs in recent years.
Significantly, in October 2024, India and China reached an agreement to disengage troops from several contested areas in the Ladakh sector, a move that has helped reduce military tensions. This development marks a positive step forward in efforts to stabilize relations between the two countries.