New Delhi, September 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday welcomed the steady progress in India-China relations and agreed that differences between the two countries should not turn into disputes.
The two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where they reaffirmed the need to take a strategic and long-term perspective of bilateral ties.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders noted the progress in relations since their previous meeting in Tianjin in August 2025. Modi stressed that the relationship should be guided by three mutuals — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
The Prime Minister also emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations. He underlined the need for both sides to adhere to existing agreements and understandings on border-related matters.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, taking into account the broader political perspective of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two countries.
They also took note of progress in people-to-people ties and stressed the need to further promote cultural exchanges, business linkages and greater mobility between India and China.
On economic and trade relations, Modi and Xi underlined the need to address each other’s concerns, including structural trade imbalances and supply-chain issues, while facilitating meaningful and predictable market access.
The leaders agreed that India and China should continue expanding common ground on regional and global issues and work together in addressing shared challenges.
Modi also appreciated China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship and its contribution to the successful conduct of the 2026 BRICS Summit.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Earlier, Modi warmly welcomed Xi and leaders of other BRICS member countries at the summit venue, with the iconic Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram serving as the backdrop for the ceremony. Modi was also seen briefly explaining the significance of the temple backdrop to Xi.
The two leaders had a brief interaction during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek on August 31. Their previous formal meeting was held on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin in August 2025.
Xi’s visit comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilise their relationship following the deadly Galwan clashes of 2020. India has consistently maintained that peace and tranquillity along the border are essential for the continued development of bilateral ties.
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