Delhi/Tianjin, August 31(HS):

In a landmark moment underscoring a thaw in one of Asia's most consequential bilateral relationships, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached a pivotal agreement on border management during crucial bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on Sunday. PM Modi extended his gratitude to China for the warm invitation and expressed optimism about the path ahead for both nations.

Addressing the media following the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the significant strides achieved: An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the revival of direct flights between India and China testify to our shared commitment to peace and connectivity. He further emphasized that the interests of 2.8 billion people in both countries are intricately linked, signaling the global importance of Indo-China cooperation.

Reflecting on recent developments, PM Modi noted that the positive dialogue initiated at last year's Kazan meeting had borne fruit, saying, After disengagement on the border, an atmosphere of peace and stability has been created. He reiterated India’s commitment to advancing bilateral relations on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity, affirming a forward-looking imperative for cooperation that transcends regional interests and contributes to humanity's welfare.

This summit marked PM Modi's first official visit to China in seven years, marking a diplomatic milestone amidst complex geopolitical dynamics, including fraught relations between India and the US. The meeting also set the stage for enhanced multilateral engagement at the SCO, where PM Modi was joined by several global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The progress in bilateral talks reflects a concerted push by India and China to stabilize their frontier areas and bolster economic and cultural ties, symbolized by the reopening of pilgrimage routes and direct flight connectivity. As the two Asian giants commit to sustaining peace along their borders, the international community watches closely, hopeful that these efforts will pave the way for sustained regional stability and prosperity.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar