Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to pursue stronger economic relations and greater stability along their disputed border during talks in New Delhi on Saturday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS summit and marked Xi’s first visit to India in seven years. Both leaders presented improved relations as important for regional growth and the wider international economy.

Discussions covered business cooperation, transport connections, cultural exchanges and easier movement between the two countries. The leaders also acknowledged disagreements over market access, supply chains and India’s large trade deficit with China.

Bilateral trade reached a record $155.6 billion in 2025, with India importing about $132 billion in Chinese goods. New Delhi has argued that the imbalance reflects structural obstacles facing Indian exporters.

Border security remains the central political test. India and China share a roughly 3,800-kilometre disputed frontier and retain substantial troop deployments despite steps to reduce tensions following the deadly clash of 2020.

Modi said peace and tranquillity along the border were essential for normal relations. Xi described the partnership in strategic and long-term terms, emphasizing that the two Asian powers should view one another as development opportunities.

The meeting signals cautious improvement, but concrete progress will depend on border negotiations and implementation of economic commitments. Officials are expected to continue talks on practical measures after the summit.

Source: Reuters.

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