PM Modi, Xi Jinping Hold Talks at SCO Summit, Call for Stronger Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Sunday on the sidelines of the SCO Summit — their first in-person meeting in years. The discussion focused on improving India-China relations, which have been strained due to border tensions.

Narendra Modi said India is committed to moving forward with China based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity. Xi agreed, saying it’s important for the “elephant and the dragon” to walk together and be partners, not rivals.

The two leaders also spoke about resuming direct flights and restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been paused since the pandemic. Both agreed that while differences remain, they shouldn’t be allowed to define the overall relationship.