PM Modi Meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on BRICS Summit Sidelines, Reaffirms Strategic Approach to Bilateral Ties
New Delhi | September 12, 2026
By Suman Munshi | IBG NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with the two leaders reviewing the recent progress in India-China relations and stressing the importance of maintaining a long-term and strategic perspective.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of efforts by both countries to strengthen bilateral engagement following their previous meeting in Tianjin in August 2025.
Three Mutuals to Guide India-China Relations
During the discussions, both leaders welcomed what they described as steady progress in bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the relationship should be approached from a strategic and long-term perspective.
He underlined three principles that should guide the relationship—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest—and stressed that differences between the two countries should not be allowed to develop into disputes.
Border Peace Remains a Key Priority
The Prime Minister highlighted that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border areas is fundamental to the continued development of India-China relations.
He called on both sides to adhere to existing agreements and understandings concerning border-related matters.
Modi and Xi also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary question, while taking into account the broader political relationship between the two countries and the long-term interests of their peoples.
Focus on People-to-People and Economic Engagement
The two leaders also reviewed progress in people-to-people relations and agreed on the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, strengthening business connections and facilitating greater mobility between India and China.
Economic and trade relations were another important area of discussion. Both sides recognised the need to address concerns relating to the structural trade imbalance and supply-chain issues, while working towards meaningful and predictable market access.
Cooperation on Regional and Global Issues
Modi and Xi agreed that India and China should continue identifying areas of common ground on regional and global issues and work together in addressing emerging challenges.
The discussions reflected an emphasis on expanding cooperation wherever the interests of the two countries converge, while managing differences through dialogue.
China Backs India’s BRICS Chairship
Prime Minister Modi also expressed appreciation for China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship and acknowledged China’s contribution to the successful conduct of the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The bilateral meeting marked another high-level engagement between the leaders as India and China seek to maintain dialogue, strengthen areas of cooperation and address outstanding differences through a strategic and long-term approach.
