The BRICS TimesChinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for India and China, symbolized as the “elephant and the dragon,” to strengthen their partnership.
During delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in China, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of India and China being good neighbors and maintaining friendly relations.
Xi described both nations as “civilizational countries” and the world’s two most populous nations, noting their shared role in the Global South. “The world is undergoing transformation. It is crucial for us to be friends, good neighbors, and for the Dragon and the Elephant to come together,” he said.
Marking the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, Xi underscored the need for a strategic and long-term approach to the bilateral relationship. He also called on both countries to uphold multilateralism, support a multipolar world, and strengthen democracy in international institutions, working together for regional and global peace and prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in China on Saturday for the SCO Summit in Tianjin, marking his first visit in seven years amid tensions over border disputes, including the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The two leaders last met in October of the previous year, after which India and China reported a breakthrough in talks aimed at resolving their military standoff along the LAC.
In his remarks, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to advancing ties with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity. Highlighting the welfare of 2.8 billion people, Modi said bilateral cooperation is key. He also noted that peace and stability along the border has improved since last year’s disengagement and mentioned the resumption of direct flights and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
