Xi Jinping Calls For ‘Dragon And Elephant’ Unity During Bilateral Meet With PM Modi On SCO Summit Sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on Sunday (31 August) on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, their first encounter in nearly a year.

The meeting comes at a time when relations between India and China remain under strain following the deadly 2020 Galwan clash and subsequent military stand-offs along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

According to Hindustan Times, in his opening remarks, Xi underlined the importance of close cooperation between the two Asian powers.

“The World is going towards transformation. China and India are two of the most civilizational countries. We are the world’s two most populous countries and part of the Global South... It is vital to be friends, a good neighbour, and the Dragon and the Elephant to come together...,” he said.

The Chinese President also pointed to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, calling for ties to be approached with a “strategic and long-term perspective”.

He urged both sides to “step up to our historic responsibilities to uphold multilateralism, a multipolar world, and more democracy in international institutions and work together for peace and prosperity in Asia and around the world.”

Prime Minister Modi, in turn, reiterated India’s stance, affirming that New Delhi remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Beijing.

He said India would continue to pursue ties grounded in mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity.

The meeting follows their last interaction in October last year, when both leaders announced progress in talks aimed at resolving the prolonged border conflict.

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Also Read: “Mutual Trust, Respect And Sensitivity” Key To India–China Relations, PM Modi Says During Bilateral Talks With Xi Jinping In Tianjin