TIANJIN, China — Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Sunday to resolve their border differences and bolster cooperation ahead of the opening of a regional summit in Tianjin.
Modi is on his first visit to China since relations between the two countries deteriorated after Chinese and Indian soldiers engaged in deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi is visiting as part of India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional political, economic and security group founded by China.
Modi said in his opening remarks that relations with China have moved in “a meaningful direction,” adding that “there is a peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement.”
He also noted “the importance of peace and tranquillity on the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations,” according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Xi said he hoped the Tianjin meeting will “further elevate” and “promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The two sides should “not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship,” Xi said, adding that economic development should be their main focus.
“As long as they remain committed to the overarching goal of being partners, not rivals, and providing development opportunities, not threats, China-India relations will flourish and move forward steadily,” Xi said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Tianjin on Sunday, is due to meet with both leaders in the coming days.
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Earlier in August, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi flew to New Delhi, as the two sides announced their rapprochement. Both governments pledged to restart border talks, and resume issuing visas and direct flights.
Wang’s visit coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50% tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, but New Delhi’s process of rebuilding ties with Beijing had been in the works for months.
Modi made that message clear Sunday, saying that “India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a third country lens,” according to India’s foreign ministry.
China and India this year have increased official visits and discussed easing some restrictions on trade and the movement of people across the border. In June, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet.
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AP video journalist Rishi Lekhi in New Delhi contributed to this report.