Xi Jinping to PM Modi: India, China Must Be Friends

31 August-Kolkata, India: In the opening session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that it is important and crucial for both nations, India and China, to set aside their conflict and remain good neighbours and friends.

Xi Jingping on India-China relations

The Chinese President stated “The World is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilizational countries. We are the world’s two most populous countries and part of the Global South… It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the Dragon and the Elephant to come together…”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, and Xi Jinping emphasised that both countries must manage their relationship from a long-term and strategic standpoint.

The Chinese President further added that “We must also step up to our historic responsibilities to uphold multilateralism, a multipolar world, and more democracy in international institutions and work together for peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world.”

PM Modi’s visit in China

On Saturday, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in China to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) summit in Tianjin.

This is PM Modi’s first visit to India’s neighbours and rivals, China, in seven years, which saw a terrible conflict at the Galwan valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh in 2020 as a result of the two neighbouring countries’ deteriorating border relations.

The two presidents of both nations met last October, following which India and China announced a breakthrough in negotiations to end their military standoff along the LAC. It has been about a year since then.

PM Modi on the Indo-China relations

During his broadcast opening remarks, the Indian PM claimed that bilateral cooperation between China and India is essential to the well-being of 2.8 billion people.

The prime minister said that after the disengagement process last year, there is peace and calm along the border and that direct flights between the two nations are starting up again.

PM Modi also further stated that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed.