Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sunday in Tianjin ahead of a regional summit, pledging to resolve long-standing border disputes and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

This marks Modi’s first visit to China since deadly border clashes in 2020 strained relations between the two nuclear-armed nations. Modi, attending as part of India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), described progress in relations as “meaningful” and said the border areas now maintain a “peaceful environment after disengagement.”

Xi emphasized that the border issue should not define overall China-India relations, urging both nations to focus on economic development. “As long as they remain committed to being partners, not rivals, and providing development opportunities, relations will flourish steadily,” Xi said.

Recent months have seen increased diplomatic engagement, including visits by officials from both sides, resumption of visa issuance, and eased travel restrictions. In June, Beijing allowed Indian pilgrims to visit sacred sites in Tibet, signaling further thaw in ties.

The Tianjin meeting also comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives to meet both leaders in the coming days, underscoring the summit’s regional significance.

Modi stressed that strategic autonomy should guide the partnership, and external pressures, such as U.S. trade policies, should not shape China-India relations. Both sides agreed to continue dialogue and bolster cooperation across political, economic, and security matters.

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