(MENAFN- KNN India) Tianjin, Sep 1 (KNN) On the side lines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Leaders' Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China on Sunday.

Concerning economic and trade relations, the two leaders recognized the role of their economies in stabilizing world trade. They underlined the need to proceed from a political and strategic perspective to expand bilateral trade and investment ties and reduce the trade deficit.

They acknowledged the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties through direct flights and visa facilitation, building on the resumption of Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and tourist visa.

Prime Minister noted that India and China both pursue strategic autonomy, and their relations should not be seen through a a third country lens.

Both leaders deemed it necessary to expand common ground on bilateral, regional, and global issues and challenges in multilateral platforms. They welcomed the positive momentum and steady progress in bilateral relations since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024.

They reaffirmed that the two countries were development partners and not rivals, and that their differences should not turn into disputes. A stable relationship and cooperation between India and China and their 2.8 billion people on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity are necessary for the growth and development of the two countries, as well as for a multipolar world and a multi-polar Asia befitting the trends of the 21st century.

Prime Minister underlined the importance of peace and tranquility in the border areas for continued development of bilateral relations.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction the successful disengagement last year and the maintenance of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples. They recognized the important decisions taken by the two Special Representatives in their Talks earlier this month, and agreed to further support their efforts.

Prime Minister expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO and the Summit in Tianjin. He also invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026.

President Xi thanked Prime Minister for the invitation and offered China's support for India's BRICS Presidency.

(KNN Bureau)

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