Differences should not become disputes: PM Modi’s message to Xi Jinping at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with the two leaders discussing border peace, trade, economic relations, and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries. 

The leaders welcomed the steady progress in India-China bilateral relations since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025 and reaffirmed the need to take a strategic and long-term view of ties. “Differences should not become disputes,” Modi said, stressing that bilateral relations should be guided by three principles — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. 

Border peace remains key 

Modi said that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remain an essential basis for the continued development of India-China relations. He called on both sides to adhere to existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues. 

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to finding a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution to the boundary question. They agreed that the issue should be approached from the broader political perspective of bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the people of both countries. 

The discussions come as New Delhi and Beijing seek to consolidate the improvement in bilateral ties following several rounds of diplomatic and military engagement along the border. 

Focus on trade imbalance, market access 

Economic and trade relations also featured prominently in the discussions. The two leaders underlined the need to address each other’s concerns, including India’s structural trade imbalance with China and supply-chain issues. They also stressed the importance of facilitating meaningful and predictable market access. 

The two sides agreed to continue efforts to strengthen business linkages and expand economic engagement while addressing areas of concern in bilateral trade. 

Push for greater people-to-people ties 

Modi and Xi also took note of progress in people-to-people relations and called for further efforts to promote cultural exchanges, business links and greater mobility between the two countries. 

The leaders agreed that India and China should continue to expand common ground on regional and global issues and work together to address shared challenges. 

China backs India’s BRICS chairship 

Modi appreciated China’s support for India’s BRICS chairship and its contribution to the success of the 2026 BRICS Summit. 

The meeting between the two leaders comes as India seeks to strengthen its engagement with China while maintaining its focus on border stability, balanced trade and greater predictability in bilateral relations.