'Differences should not become disputes': PM Modi says India-China ties should be guided by 3 mutuals

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping on Saturday reaffirmed the need to take a “strategic and long term perspective” of India-China ties, while stressing border peace, adherence to existing agreements and a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” resolution of the boundary question, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said.The two leaders met in New Delhi on the sidelines of the Brics Summit and “welcomed the steady progress in India-China bilateral relations” since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025.“Differences should not become disputes,” PM Modi said, stressing that both sides must be guided by three principles — “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest”.Also read: Reset in India-China ties? PM Modi offers 'opportunity' to Xi during bilateral talksAccording to the MEA, PM Modi emphasised that “peace and tranquility in the border areas remains an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations”. He also underlined the need for both countries to observe existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues.The two leaders “expressed commitment” to a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question”, with the process to proceed from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relationship and the long-term interests of the two peoples, the MEA said.The meeting also covered efforts to expand people-to-people ties. Both sides “underscored the need to further promote cultural exchanges, business linkages and greater mobility” between India and China.On economic and trade relations, the leaders agreed on the need to address each other’s concerns, including the “structural trade imbalance and supply chain issues”, while facilitating “meaningful and predictable market access”.The discussions also extended to regional and global issues, with the two leaders agreeing that India and China should “continue to expand common ground” in addressing shared challenges.The MEA said PM Modi appreciated China’s support for India’s Brics chairship and its contribution to the success of the Brics Summit 2026.The meeting comes as New Delhi and Beijing work to consolidate the progress made in bilateral ties since the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.