India wants to befriend China

Amid ongoing India-US trade tensions following imposition of a steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods by the US, India and China signaled revival of ties at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

- AGENCIES

Both sides agreed to seek a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” solution to the border issue and pledged to boost trade and investment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed resuming direct flights and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, while President Xi Jinping urged viewing bilateral ties from a strategic, long-term perspective. Xi emphasised that the border dispute should not define the overall relationship, calling India and China “friends and good neighbours.” Relations had soured since 2020 Galwan clashes, but both leaders appeared committed to mending ties and fostering stability.