Modi and Xi Welcome Steady Progress in India-China Ties at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing effort to stabilize relations between the two nations. The 40-minute discussion, the first of its kind on Indian soil in seven years, focused on reinforcing the momentum of bilateral ties that have seen a gradual thaw since the 2024 Kazan meeting.

Both leaders acknowledged the steady progress made in the relationship since their previous engagement in Tianjin in August 2025. While the atmosphere was characterized by a mutual desire to manage differences, the meeting underscored the persistent challenges that define the India-China dynamic, particularly regarding border security and economic imbalances. The discussions were attended by key officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized the necessity of adopting a long-term, strategic perspective to manage their complex relationship. President Xi Jinping described the current momentum in bilateral ties as hard-won, noting that it is anchored in the resumption of institutional exchanges and an expanding cooperation agenda. He proposed that both nations should look forward with a rational strategic assessment, advocating for win-win cooperation and inclusive multilateralism.

Prime Minister Modi echoed the sentiment that differences should not be allowed to escalate into disputes. He highlighted that the relationship must be guided by three core principles: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. This framework is intended to serve as a guide for future diplomatic engagements, ensuring that both nations can navigate their competing interests without undermining the broader stability of the region.

Central to the discussions was the issue of border management, which remains the most sensitive aspect of the bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that peace and tranquility in border areas are essential prerequisites for the continued development of ties. He stressed the need for both sides to strictly observe existing agreements and understandings, a point that has been a recurring theme in India's diplomatic stance following the 2020 Galwan clashes.

Both leaders expressed a commitment to reaching a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question. This commitment is to be pursued through a political lens that considers the long-term interests of both populations. Since the 2024 Kazan meeting, which effectively ended the eastern Ladakh border standoff, three rounds of talks between Special Representatives have taken place, with both sides now aiming for an early and substantial harvest of boundary delimitation.

Beyond security concerns, the meeting addressed significant economic friction points. Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of India's persistent trade deficit with China, emphasizing the need for supply chain predictability. The two leaders agreed on the necessity of addressing structural trade imbalances and facilitating meaningful, predictable market access for each other's businesses.

This focus on economic cooperation is part of a broader effort to move beyond mere border management toward a more functional relationship. The leaders underscored the importance of promoting cultural exchanges, business linkages, and greater mobility between the two countries. By expanding common ground on regional and global issues, both nations aim to address shared challenges while managing the competitive aspects of their economic interaction.

Diplomatic observers noted the specific language used in the readouts following the meeting. While President Xi reiterated that India and China are partners rather than rivals, the Indian readout notably omitted this specific formulation, reflecting a cautious approach to the relationship. The Chinese side, however, reported that Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to an independent foreign policy, stating that ties with Beijing are not influenced by third-party countries.

the Chinese readout claimed that Modi assured Xi that India's position on Taiwan and Tibet-related issues remains unchanged and that India would not permit anti-China activities on its soil. This claim mirrors statements previously attributed to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, which the Ministry of External Affairs has historically balanced by reminding Beijing of its own illegal occupation of Indian territory in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh since 1963.

Following the conclusion of the BRICS Summit, the focus shifts to the implementation of the agreements reached during the bilateral meeting. The commitment to continue negotiations through the Special Representatives mechanism remains the primary vehicle for resolving the boundary question. Both nations are expected to maintain the current pace of institutional exchanges to ensure that the progress achieved in New Delhi is sustained.

While the meeting provided a platform for high-level dialogue, the practical application of the three mutuals and the resolution of the trade deficit will determine the durability of this thaw. The next phase of engagement will likely involve technical-level discussions on supply chain predictability and further rounds of boundary talks, as both countries attempt to balance their strategic competition with the necessity of regional stability.