Modi, Xi say India and China are ‘companions, not rivals’ regardless of border standoff; query WTO, UN functioning

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese language President Xi Jinping agreed that the 2 international locations are “companions, not rivals,” International Secretary Vikram Misri mentioned on Sunday after the 2 leaders met within the northern Chinese language port metropolis of Tianjin. The assembly got here simply days after Washington imposed a 50% tariff on Indian items over New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil.

In response to Misri, each leaders recognised that India and China share a standard curiosity in strengthening multilateral establishments, but additionally acknowledged “a deficit in how the WTO and the UN are working.”

On border tensions, Misri underlined that “troops on the border don't change the truth that China and India are companions,” including that India's place on Taiwan stays unchanged. He additionally confirmed that Prime Minister Modi will quickly meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“As neighbours and huge economies, India and China ought to aspire to be companions,” Misri mentioned, noting that the 2 sides are addressing operational points associated to resuming direct flights. He added that Beijing has prolonged cooperation to India on cross-border terrorism, and that Modi careworn the necessity for each international locations to help one another in combating extremism.

“We anticipate present border negotiators will meet within the coming weeks,” Misri instructed reporters.
The overseas secretary mentioned Modi and Xi reviewed the worldwide financial state of affairs and mentioned methods to stability bilateral commerce. Modi additionally instructed Xi that rising commerce would assist “contribute to alter in notion” between the 2 nations.
The 2 leaders additionally exchanged views on the India–Myanmar border, with Modi highlighting the significance of connectivity initiatives between India and Southeast Asia. Misri mentioned Modi attaches “nice significance” to New Delhi's relationship with Myanmar.
Through the talks, Modi invited Xi to attend the 2026 BRICS Summit in India. Each leaders agreed to facilitate commerce and funding, scale back dangers, and recognised the stabilising position their economies can play within the international financial system. Additionally they expressed dedication to a good and affordable decision of border points, noting progress made since their Kazan assembly final 12 months.

Misri mentioned Modi and Xi agreed that variations “shouldn't be allowed to show into disputes” and careworn that peace and stability alongside the border are crucial for the continuation of bilateral ties. The 2 leaders, he added, shared views on long-term development and growth, and emphasised that cooperation between India and China is important for the “Asian century.”