by VANSHIKA CHAUDHARY
NEW DELHI – INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described relations with China as “stable, predictable and constructive,” signaling cautious optimism in efforts to ease longstanding tensions between the two Asian giants.
Modi made the remarks while meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi, where he stressed that peace and tranquility along the disputed border remain essential for improving bilateral relations.
“India remains committed to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question,” a government statement said.
During his three-day visit, Wang also held talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Both sides acknowledged they were moving beyond what officials called a “difficult period” in ties following the deadly 2020 border clash.
Talks resulted in agreements to enhance border management, resume direct flights, reopen traditional trade routes, and support each other’s BRICS presidencies in 2026 and 2027.
Wang also conveyed an invitation from President Xi Jinping for Modi to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin later this month.
On the boundary issue, New Delhi and Beijing announced a 10-point consensus after the 24th round of Special Representatives’ talks.
This includes creating expert groups on demarcation, expanding military-level dialogue to all boundary sectors, reopening three border trade markets, and strengthening cooperation on cross-boundary rivers. The 25th round of talks will be hosted by China in 2026.
Posting on X, Modi said he looked forward to meeting Xi in Tianjin, underscoring momentum toward renewed engagement.
The two leaders last met at the BRICS summit in Russia’s Kazan in 2024, where they agreed to disengage from contested areas and revive trade.
While challenges remain, Tuesday’s talks suggest both nations are seeking to stabilize ties through incremental confidence-building measures.
– CAJ News
