Expanded: Highlights of the India-China Agreement at the SCO Summit in Tianjin
In a significant development, the leaders of India and China, Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping, held a crucial meeting on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. This meeting marked a symbolic breakthrough in the history of their relations.
Both nations agreed that their principal priorities lie in domestic development, with the potential for greater cooperation benefiting their vast populations (2.8 billion people). This renewed approach does not erase past conflicts, particularly post-Galwan tensions, but suggests a fresh momentum led by dialogue, grounded in mutual benefit and anchored by realism.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that peace on the border is essential for any further growth in bilateral ties. There was mutual satisfaction over the progress made in disengagement and restoring calm at the contested border regions. Both sides agreed to maintain stability through existing diplomatic and military mechanisms.
The leaders also recognised the urgent need for reform and committed to working together for more equitable governance systems. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised that current global institutions, particularly the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), are faltering in functionality and relevance.
President Xi Jinping proposed a four-point plan for strengthening India-China relations, though specifics were not provided in this article. Chinese President Xi Jinping was personally invited by Prime Minister Modi to attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in India.
The meeting at the Tianjin summit marked a shift in India-China relations, from managing tensions to cultivating trust. There was a warm reception on both sides for the growing people-to-people exchanges, such as direct flights and religious pilgrimages like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted about the meeting in Mandarin, a diplomatic signal of sincerity and respect. The images of Modi and Xi shaking hands sent a clear message that Asia's future will be written through resolve and recognition of mutual stakes.
The hope is that their peoples, nearly one-third of humanity, can move forward with stability and shared purpose. Whether this meeting in Tianjin becomes a lasting milestone or a temporary pause depends on sustained commitment. The reaffirmation of strategic partnership with Egypt and other regional players added to India's growing footprint in multilateral diplomacy.
The meeting may be seen as a necessary recalibration, a step toward pragmatic diplomacy rather than rhetorical posturing. The meeting may mark a turning point in the recent history of India-China relations, focusing on convergence rather than competition. Both sides view the meeting as a chapter where two major civilisational powers choose engagement over estrangement.
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