Home India News ‘Common interests outweigh differences’: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Modi-Xi talks
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said PM Modi and President Xi Jinping discussed long-term growth, trade balance, border peace, and cooperation, highlighting stable India-China relations.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China, said PM Modi and President Xi Jinping were “happy to note the progress in relations since their meeting in Kazan in October last year.”
He said both leaders “shared their perspective on long term growth in bilateral relations” and agreed that “a stable and amicable relations is in the interest of 2.8 billion people in the two nations.”
Misri added that “common interests outweigh differences between the two nations” and noted that India and China “need to cooperate if there has to be an Asian century.”
The leaders discussed border issues and “took note of the successful disengagement at the border and peace and tranquility in border areas.” PM Modi “underlined the need for peace and tranquility in border areas for continued and smooth development in bilateral ties.”
The two sides also discussed ways to balance bilateral trade. Leaders “recognised that Indian and Chinese economies can play a role in stabilising world trade.” There was a discussion on “increasing policy transparency and predictability in economic relations.”
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi met Cai Qi, a top leader of the Chinese Communist Party. Misri said the leaders “shared their perspectives for longer term growth and development of two countries” and agreed that “stable and amicable India-China relationship can benefit 2.8 billion people of two countries.”
President Xi made four suggestions to further upgrade bilateral relations. Misri confirmed that a “consensus has been reached on resuming direct flights,” with issues related to bilateral air services and scheduling to be addressed in the coming weeks.
PM Modi and President Xi also discussed the international economic situation and the challenges, focusing on “how to leverage the current global challenges to see how India and China can cooperate economically.”
Misri added that PM Modi “asked for China’s support in addressing the issue of terrorism” and clarified that “there is no change in India’s position on Taiwan.”