Xi Jinping to PM Modi at SCO Summit: ‘China and India Must Be Friends, Good Neighbours’

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, underscoring the need for stronger China-India cooperation amid a rapidly evolving global order.

During delegation-level talks, Xi said, “The world is undergoing transformation. China and India are two of the most civilisational and populous countries, and key members of the Global South. It is vital for us to be friends and good neighbours—the Dragon and the Elephant must come together.”

The Chinese leader highlighted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and urged both sides to adopt a long-term strategic approach. “Both nations need to handle our relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective,” Xi stated.

Emphasising the shared responsibility of shaping a fairer global order, Xi added, “We must work together to uphold multilateralism, promote a multipolar world, and ensure more democratic international institutions for peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond.”

Recalling their previous meeting in Kazan, Xi reaffirmed China’s willingness to strengthen bilateral ties. PM Modi, who is visiting China after seven years, also expressed optimism about improving relations, citing progress on border talks, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two countries.

The meeting, which lasted an hour, began with a firm handshake and signalled a possible thaw in ties between the two Asian giants. Analysts view the interaction as a significant diplomatic gesture, particularly against the backdrop of strained trade relations between the United States and both India and China.