New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at his residence in the capital on Tuesday, building on a string of top-level discussions aimed at steadying and enhancing relations between the two major Asian powers.
In their conversation, Modi pointed to the consistent advancements in bilateral ties and confirmed his acceptance of an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit later this month.
“Pleased to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my discussion with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have advanced steadily, driven by respect for each other’s concerns and sensitivities,” Modi stated post-meeting.
He continued, “I’m eager for our upcoming encounter in Tianjin during the SCO Summit. Reliable, foreseeable, and positive relations between India and China will play a key role in fostering peace and growth both regionally and worldwide.”
Sources indicated that Modi emphasized the need for calm along the border as a cornerstone of the relationship, while noting the encouraging developments. He reiterated that such stable connections would greatly support broader peace and prosperity.
Wang Yi’s day included crucial discussions with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, following his meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar the previous day.
In the Special Representatives framework talks, Doval highlighted an “upward trajectory” in relations over the last nine months, with maintained peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), signaling a fresh push to overcome the fallout from the 2020 Galwan Valley incident.
“The borders have stayed calm, peace has held, and our interactions have grown more meaningful,” he remarked.
Doval officially confirmed Prime Minister Modi’s attendance at the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1, underscoring the heightened significance of these talks ahead of the visit.
Wang Yi, in response, urged both sides to “boost mutual trust via strategic dialogue, broaden shared interests through cooperation, and handle border matters appropriately.” He added, “We’re encouraged by the restored stability along the border.”
“The relationship now faces a vital chance for enhancement and expansion. China highly values the Prime Minister’s visit to attend the SCO Summit at our invitation,” he noted.
On Monday, Jaishankar told his counterpart that ties between India and China should be anchored in mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests.
India-China relations are in a stage of easing tensions and gradual progress, shifting away from the intense strains post-2020 Galwan clash. This momentum built after Modi and Xi’s key interaction at the BRICS summit in Kazan in October 2024, where they pledged to normalize relations.
Subsequent steps have involved trust-building actions, such as troop pullbacks from various LAC hotspots and restarting cultural exchanges like the Kailash Mansarovar yatra and tourist visa issuances.
Wang Yi’s trip to India gains added weight against the backdrop of escalating India-US frictions, triggered by President Donald Trump’s decision to hike tariffs on Indian products to 50%, including a 25% extra levy for buying Russian crude oil.
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