China, India should keep to trend of history, right direction of bilateral relations:
Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday (Oct. 23) that China and India should keep to the trend of history and the right direction of bilateral relations for the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples.
Xi made the statement when meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit in western Russia’s Kazan City.
“China and India are both countries with an ancient civilization, large developing countries and major members of the Global South, and both stand at a crucial phase of their respective modernization drive. It is in the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples for China and India to keep to the trend of history and the right direction of bilateral relations. The two sides should strengthen communication and cooperation, handle disputes and differences properly, and facilitate each other’s pursuit of development aspirations. The two countries should also shoulder their international responsibility, set themselves as an example in boosting the strength and unity of developing countries, and contribute to promoting multipolarity of the world and greater democracy in international relations,” Xi said.
“Excellency [Xi Jinping], it’s very nice to meet you. We believe that the India-China relations not only is critical to the peoples of the two countries, but also carries great significance to peace, stability and the development of the region and the world at large. I believe we will have dialogues with open minds,” said Modi.
The first-ever summit of an expanded BRICS is taking place from Tuesday to Thursday in Kazan. Xi flew in on Tuesday to attend the event at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and has now evolved into an influential international cooperation mechanism with an expanded membership in January.
Besides the countries that officially joined the BRICS family on Jan 1, 2024, over 30 countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have either formally applied for or expressed interest in membership.