BRICS summit: Xi meets Modi, discusses India-China ties
What's the story
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Xi said today that both countries can "fully learn" from each other's strengths and support one another. This is Xi's first visit to India in seven years. The two leaders discussed several issues, including border disputes, trade, and investment between their countries.
Bilateral ties
'China-India cooperation beneficial for both'
PM Modi said, "It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you. Thank you very much for your positive remarks at the BRICS Summit."
President Xi said that despite having different national conditions, they could support one another and achieve common development.
The Chinese leader also emphasized that China has always viewed its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective.
Visit significance
Xi's 1st visit to India in 7 years
Xi's visit to India comes as the country is hosting the BRICS summit.
PM Modi welcomed him warmly, thanking him for his positive remarks at the summit and for China's support during India's chairmanship.
The meeting is expected to review bilateral relations comprehensively and explore new avenues of cooperation between China and India.
Border issues
Talks likely to focus on LAC
A key focus of the talks is likely to be the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a disputed border that has often been a point of contention.
India has stressed that peace on the border is crucial for broader bilateral ties, while China has maintained that boundary disputes should be handled separately from other aspects of their relationship.
Diplomatic efforts
Meeting follows high-level exchanges
The meeting between PM Modi and President Xi comes after several high-level exchanges between the two governments.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval recently held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
These discussions included topics such as frontier delimitation, transboundary cooperation, and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).