Modi, Xi put border peace and trade concerns at centre of India China talks
New Delhi, September 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that differences should not become disputes during a 50 minute meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.
The bilateral talks, held on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, focused on peace along the border, the unresolved boundary question, trade imbalances and access to each other’s markets.
The Ministry of External Affairs said both leaders agreed to take a strategic and long term view of bilateral relations. Modi said ties should be guided by mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.
Modi told Xi that peace and tranquillity in border areas remained essential for the continued development of relations. He also stressed compliance with existing agreements and understandings on border related issues.
The two leaders committed themselves to seeking a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question. The MEA said such efforts should reflect the broader relationship and the long term interests of both populations.
The discussion came as India and China continued efforts to stabilise relations after the 2020 eastern Ladakh military standoff. Their ties have gradually improved since Modi and Xi met in Tianjin in August 2025.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks in Beijing on August 25. The discussions produced an eight point consensus on border management and further negotiations.
Trade and market access formed another major part of Saturday’s meeting. Both sides agreed to address structural trade imbalances, supply chain issues and concerns over meaningful and predictable market access.
The bilateral trade between both countries reached 91.72 billion dollars during the first six months of 2026. India’s deficit stood at 67.1 billion dollars, with imports from China far exceeding its exports.
India has repeatedly sought better access to the Chinese market for sectors including pharmaceuticals and information technology services. New Delhi has also raised concerns about the reliability and predictability of supply chains.
The leaders noted progress in contacts between their citizens and businesses. They supported further cultural exchanges, commercial links and mobility between the two countries, according to the MEA statement.
Xi said India and China could learn from each other’s strengths and support their shared development despite different national circumstances. He said both countries carried important responsibilities as major members of the Global South.
Modi thanked China for supporting India’s BRICS chairship and contributing to the New Delhi summit. Both leaders agreed to expand common ground on regional and global issues and cooperate in addressing shared challenges.
Xi’s visit is his first to India in seven years. He last travelled to the country in 2019 for an informal summit with Modi in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from PTI)