Published By: The Desh News
Last Updated: September 12, 2026, 19:50 IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with border peace, trade relations and stronger people-to-people connections emerging as key areas of discussion.
IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping, here and below. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
The meeting comes as India-China relations show signs of a cautious improvement following years of tensions along the border. Both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in border areas for the continued development of bilateral ties.
During their talks, Modi and Xi discussed the boundary issue, trade-related concerns, cultural and business exchanges, mobility between the two countries and several global matters.
Key Takeaways From The Modi-Xi Meeting
1. Border Peace Remains A Priority
Prime Minister Modi stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas is important for the continued growth of India-China relations.
He also highlighted the importance of both countries respecting existing agreements and understandings related to the border.
2. Both Sides Discuss Boundary Resolution
India and China reaffirmed their commitment to finding a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution to the long-standing boundary question.
The two sides also underlined the importance of looking at the issue from a broader political perspective and keeping the long-term interests of both countries and their people in mind.
3. ‘Differences Should Not Become Disputes’
The two leaders noted the progress made in bilateral relations since their previous meeting in Tianjin in August 2025.
They agreed that India and China should take a long-term and strategic approach towards their relationship. Differences between the two countries, they indicated, should be managed carefully so that they do not turn into larger disputes.
4. Modi Stresses Mutual Respect, Sensitivity And Interest
Prime Minister Modi said that the relationship between India and China should be guided by three key principles: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
These principles, he emphasised, can help both countries manage differences while working towards greater stability in their relationship.
5. Focus On Stronger People-To-People Relations
The leaders also discussed the importance of improving people-to-people connections between India and China.
They took note of progress in this area and stressed the need to encourage cultural exchanges, business relationships and greater movement of people between the two countries.
6. Trade Imbalance Remains An Important Issue
Trade was another major area discussed during the meeting. India has continued to raise concerns over the imbalance in bilateral trade with China.
The discussions indicated the importance of creating stronger and more balanced economic ties while maintaining broader engagement between the two countries.
7. A Cautious Step Towards Better Relations
The Modi-Xi meeting is being viewed as another important step in efforts to stabilise India-China relations.
While the meeting does not represent a complete reset in ties, the focus on border stability, dialogue, trade and greater people-to-people engagement suggests that both sides are seeking to manage differences while keeping channels of communication open.
For India and China, maintaining peace along the border remains crucial as the two major Asian powers look to strengthen their relationship while addressing long-standing areas of disagreement.
Photograph: Press Information Bureau
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