China and India commit to functioning as partners rather than competitors prior to the security forum meeting

China and India are bolstering their relations as Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in Tianjin for a regional summit. The meeting, intended to promote cooperation between the two nations, comes after months of mutual rapprochement.

The announcement of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi preceded Mr Modi's planned visit to China. This marks Narendra Modi's first visit to China since the 2020 border clashes between the two countries.

Amidst the ongoing US tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, imposed by former President Donald Trump, the process of rebuilding ties between China and India has been in the works. Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of economic development for both countries, while also suggesting that the border issue should not define the overall China-India relationship.

The discussions during the meeting in Tianjin focused on easing some restrictions on trade and the movement of people across the border. In a positive step, Beijing allowed pilgrims from India to visit holy sites in Tibet in June.

The rapprochement between the two nations has led to an increase in official visits this year. Narendra Modi's visit is in relation to India's membership into the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, a regional group founded by China.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin is due to meet with Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi in Tianjin in the coming days. Narendra Modi stated that relations with China have improved and there is a peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement. Xi Jinping expressed hope that the Tianjin meeting will further improve and stabilize bilateral relations between China and India.

Both leaders, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi, have emphasized improving relations based on mutual trust. The mutual rapprochement before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in August was announced by both leaders. Xi Jinping also stated that the Tianjin meeting should promote the sustained, healthy development of bilateral relations.

China and India commit to functioning as partners rather than competitors prior to the security forum meeting