India and China: Partners for Progress, Not Rivals

Strengthening India-China Relations

Beijing, Mar 8: The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, emphasized on Sunday that India and China should regard each other as "partners rather than rivals" and view their relationship as an "opportunity instead of a threat."

During his annual press briefing at the National People's Congress (NPC), Wang highlighted the importance of adhering to the vision set forth by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping to enhance bilateral relations without external interference.

He noted the positive outcomes from the successful meeting between Modi and Xi in Tianjin last August, stating, "The Tianjin summit, building on the momentum from their Kazan meeting in 2024, has further advanced China-India relations."

"We are encouraged by the revitalized interactions across various levels, record-breaking bilateral trade, and increased exchanges between our peoples, all of which have yielded tangible benefits," he remarked.

Looking ahead, Wang asserted that both nations must maintain a correct strategic view of each other as partners and opportunities, rather than adversaries and threats.

He added, "It is essential for both sides to foster good-neighborly relations, ensure peace and stability in border regions, and prioritize development together."

"As significant neighbors and members of the Global South, China and India share deep civilizational ties and a wide range of common interests," Wang stated.

"Building mutual trust and cooperation is vital for the growth of both countries, while division and confrontation hinder Asia's rejuvenation," he cautioned.

Wang also mentioned the importance of supporting each other in hosting BRICS summits, with India set to host this year's summit and China scheduled for 2027.

Originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran.

After a five-year freeze in India-China relations due to military tensions in eastern Ladakh, normalization began following two summits between Modi and Xi in Kazan in 2024, followed by a subsequent meeting at the SCO summit in Tianjin last year.

Both nations have resumed visa and flight services and initiated various measures to restore their relationship.