Modi and Xi Agree to Partnership at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to address border tensions and economic ties. The leaders reached a consensus to act as partners rather than rivals, committing to safeguard peace and tranquility along the border as an essential basis for developing relations. Modi emphasized that bilateral ties must be guided by the three mutuals: mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity.

While both nations committed to a long-term political resolution of boundary disputes, official readouts differed in tone. Beijing claimed India promised to prevent anti-China activities on its territory, including positions on Taiwan and Tibet. The Ministry of External Affairs of India clarified that Modi raised specific Indian concerns and maintained a principle-driven framework without adopting Beijing's specific phrasing.

Economic cooperation formed a central part of the discussions, with both leaders agreeing to address structural trade imbalances and market access. This was followed by a meeting between Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to resolve specific trade problems. Additionally, President Xi proposed a five-point action plan for greater BRICS cooperation focusing on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and smart manufacturing, which India and other member nations are currently evaluating.