Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping that India is committed to advancing ties based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity during their wide-ranging talks on Sunday aimed at resetting bilateral relations. Modi highlighted that the welfare of 2.8 billion people is linked to cooperation between the two nations.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) annual summit in northern China, amid tensions triggered by the Trump administration's tariff disputes. Modi arrived in China from Japan, marking his first visit since the eastern Ladakh border conflict began in May 2020.

Modi recalled their previous talks in October last year in Russia’s Kazan, held soon after India and China agreed to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh. He noted, “There is peace and stability along the border following last year’s disengagement process,” and added that direct flights between the countries are resuming. The Prime Minister also referenced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and said, “There was consent between our Special Representatives on border management.”

India and China operate a framework known as the Special Representatives on the boundary question to address border issues. Modi reiterated, “We are committed to take forward our cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity.” He also congratulated Xi on China’s successful presidency of the SCO.

The specific outcomes of the talks remain undisclosed. Prior to his visit, Modi emphasised the importance of India and China working together to stabilise the world economic order. In an interview with Japan’s The Yomiuri Shimbun, Modi stated, “Given the current volatility in world economy, it is also important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the world economic order.”

Modi’s China visit came less than two weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India. Following Wang’s discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the sides announced measures for a “stable, cooperative and forward-looking” relationship, which included joint maintenance of peace along the contested frontier, reopening border trade, and resuming direct flight services promptly.

In recent months, both countries have initiated steps to reset relations that were severely strained following deadly border clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

With inputs from PTI