Tianjin (China). Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Chinese President Xi Jinping that India is committed to advancing relations with China based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.
The two leaders held extensive talks to realign bilateral relations. Modi stated at the beginning of his televised address that the welfare of 2.8 billion people is linked to bilateral cooperation between India and China.
The conversation between the two leaders took place in this northern Chinese city on the sidelines of the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, against the backdrop of turmoil caused by the tariff-related policies of the administration led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Modi arrived here from Japan on Saturday evening in the second leg of his visit to the two countries. This is Modi’s first visit to China since the eastern Ladakh border dispute began in May 2020.
The Prime Minister held talks with the Chinese President in Kazan, Russia, last October, which came just days after an agreement was reached to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh between India and China.
The Prime Minister said that following last year’s disengagement process, there is peace and stability at the border, and direct flights between the two countries are being resumed.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. He said there was agreement between our special representatives on border management. India and China have a mechanism of ‘Special Representatives on the Border Issue’ to resolve border-related matters. Modi said, “We are committed to advancing our cooperation based on mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.”
The Prime Minister also congratulated Xi on China’s successful presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). It is not yet known what specifically was discussed in the meeting between Modi and Xi. Before his visit to Tianjin, Modi had said that it is important for India and China to work together to bring stability to the global economic system.
In an interview, Modi had said that stable and harmonious bilateral relations between India and China could have a positive impact on regional and global peace and prosperity.
Modi said in the interview, “Given the current instability in the world economy, it is important for India and China, as two major economies, to work together to bring stability to the global economic system.”
Modi’s visit to China comes less than two weeks after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India. Following extensive talks between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval with Wang, both sides announced several steps for “stable, cooperative, and forward-looking” relations. These steps included jointly maintaining peace on the disputed border, reopening border trade, and resuming direct flight services as soon as possible.
Tianjin
Tianjin is a major port city in northern China with a rich history as a treaty port, which is reflected in its unique architectural blend of traditional Chinese and European colonial styles. It grew in importance during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was a key center for modern Chinese industry and Western trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultural scene and as a bustling economic hub.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a major Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. It was founded in 2001 by the leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, building upon a previous agreement from the 1990s to resolve border disputes. Its primary goals are to promote cooperation and maintain stability across the region.
Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region in northern India, nestled between the Himalayas and the Kunlun Mountains. Historically, it was an independent kingdom and a crucial crossroads for trade caravans traveling the ancient Silk Route. Its culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is evident in its numerous centuries-old monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey.
Kazan
Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, Russia, and a historic meeting point of Slavic and Tatar cultures. Its most famous landmark is the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the Qolşärif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral, symbolizing the city’s diverse religious history. Founded in the late 13th century by the Mongol Golden Horde, it later became the capital of a powerful Khanate before being captured by Ivan the Terrible in 1552.
Kailash Mansarovar
Kailash Mansarovar is a sacred mountain and lake pilgrimage site in Tibet, revered in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon. Mount Kailash is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, while Lake Mansarovar is considered the source of purity. For millennia, pilgrims have undertaken a challenging journey to circumambulate the mountain and bathe in the lake’s holy waters.
SCO
I am unable to provide a summary for “SCO” as it is not a recognized place or cultural site. The acronym most commonly refers to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, an intergovernmental body, rather than a physical location. Could you please provide more specific details or clarify the name?
India
India is a culturally rich and historically diverse South Asian nation with one of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back over 5,000 years. It is the birthplace of major religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, and has been shaped by a long history of empires, the Mughal era, and British colonial rule. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant traditions, architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal, and its status as the world’s largest democracy.
China
China is one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over four millennia. It is home to numerous cultural sites, including the Great Wall, which was built over centuries starting in the 7th century BC to protect against northern invasions.
