'Have opportunity to discuss cooperation': PM Modi welcomes Xi; bilateral talks begin

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a bilateral meeting lasting more than 50 minutes in New Delhi on Saturday, shortly after the adoption of the Brics Summit 2026 declaration.The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Brics Summit, where leaders of the grouping adopted the summit declaration following discussions on key global and regional issues.Welcoming Xi, PM Modi thanked China for its support and cooperation during India's Brics chairmanship and said the two sides now had an opportunity to discuss bilateral ties."It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you. Thank you very much for your positive remarks at the Brics Summit. I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India's Brics chairmanship. We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. Once again, a warm welcome to India."The meeting assumes significance as India and China have sought to stabilise bilateral relations following tensions along their disputed border in recent years. The two leaders have held several engagements aimed at improving ties and maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border.PM Modi welcomes XiDuring the bilateral meeting, PM Modi expressed his gratitude for China's cooperation during India's Brics presidency and welcomed Xi to India."I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India's Brics chairmanship. We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. Once again, a warm welcome to India."The meeting followed the conclusion of the Brics summit, which brought together leaders and delegations from member countries, partner nations and outreach invitees in New Delhi.Xi stresses long-term tiesXi told PM Modi that China views India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, according to Xinhua. He said the two countries, as the world's two most populous nations and key members of the Global South, have significant responsibilities amid a complex international landscape.Xi also said India and China should learn from each other's strengths and work towards shared development. During the meeting, he said:"In the face of a complex international landscape marked by intertwined changes and challenges, China and India, as the world's two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder significant responsibilities. Both sides should keep the future of humanity in mind and the well-being of their peoples at heart, and work together to advance high-quality cooperation within the greater BRICS framework. We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive, mutually beneficial form of economic globalisation, injecting more positive energy into the promotion of world peace, stability, development and prosperity."Earlier, the BRICS nations unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, which expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia and called for maximum restraint and avoidance of actions that could further aggravate the situation.“We urge to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in their entirety and interconnectedness, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States,” the declaration said.The BRICS declaration also encouraged greater efforts through dialogue and diplomacy towards a long-term understanding contributing to lasting peace, security and stability in the region.“We stress the need to work together to maintain smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law,” it said.The grouping expressed serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressing that nuclear safeguards, safety and security must be upheld, including during armed conflicts.The declaration also called for implementation of relevant UN General Assembly and UN Security Council resolutions and urged all parties to ensure the maintenance of ceasefire and full and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip.Addressing the BRICS Summit, Xi Jinping called on BRICS nations to play a peacemaking role amid the conflict in West Asia, saying China would work with other members towards that goal.The BRICS declaration also noted the current global context of polarisation and distrust and encouraged global action to strengthen international peace and security. It advocated a multilateral approach that respects diverse national viewpoints on key global issues, including sustainable development, eradication of hunger and poverty and the global response to climate change.The grouping also expressed concern over growing nuclear risks and conflict and reiterated the need to strengthen the system of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation to promote global stability and international peace and security.Earlier, addressing the 18th BRICS Summit session on Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening in New Delhi, PM Modi proposed 10 measures for global governance reform, which BRICS members could develop into a BRICS Reform Roadmap by the next Summit.He also called for transforming the Global South from a “rule-taker into a rule-shaper”, saying the Global South remains at the forefront of global crises but continues to remain on the sidelines when it comes to decision-making.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.