Modi, Xi say India and China are ‘partners, not rivals’ despite border standoff; question WTO, UN functioning

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that the two countries are “partners, not rivals,” Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Sunday after the two leaders met in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin. The meeting came just days after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

According to Misri, both leaders recognised that India and China share a common interest in strengthening multilateral institutions, but also acknowledged “a deficit in how the WTO and the UN are working.”

On border tensions, Misri underlined that “troops at the border don’t change the fact that China and India are partners,” adding that India’s position on Taiwan remains unchanged. He also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi will soon meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“As neighbours and large economies, India and China should aspire to be partners,” Misri said, noting that the two sides are addressing operational issues related to resuming direct flights. He added that Beijing has extended cooperation to India on cross-border terrorism, and that Modi stressed the need for both countries to support each other in combating extremism.

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“We expect existing border negotiators will meet in the coming weeks,” Misri told reporters.

The foreign secretary said Modi and Xi reviewed the global economic situation and discussed ways to balance bilateral trade. Modi also told Xi that growing trade would help “contribute to change in perception” between the two nations.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the India–Myanmar border, with Modi highlighting the importance of connectivity projects between India and Southeast Asia. Misri said Modi attaches “great importance” to New Delhi’s relationship with Myanmar.

During the talks, Modi invited Xi to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit in India. Both leaders agreed to facilitate trade and investment, reduce risks, and recognised the stabilising role their economies can play in the global economy. They also expressed commitment to a fair and reasonable resolution of border issues, noting progress made since their Kazan meeting last year.

Misri said Modi and Xi agreed that differences “should not be allowed to turn into disputes” and stressed that peace and stability along the border are critical for the continuation of bilateral ties. The two leaders, he added, shared perspectives on long-term growth and development, and emphasised that cooperation between India and China is essential for the “Asian century.”

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