Mon Mar 17 11:49:37 UTC 2025: ## India and China Emphasize Improved Relations Following Modi-Xi Meeting

**NEW DELHI/BEIJING** – India and China have publicly affirmed their commitment to improving bilateral relations following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. Both countries have highlighted the positive developments since the summit, emphasizing a return to normalcy along their disputed border.

In a statement welcomed by Beijing, Prime Minister Modi described a return to normalcy along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh following his talks with President Xi. He stressed the importance of dialogue in preventing border disputes from escalating. This followed an interview where Modi stated that his government actively works to ensure that differences don’t become disputes and that dialogue is key to building a stable cooperative relationship.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning echoed these sentiments, stating that the Modi-Xi meeting provided “strategic guidance” for improving bilateral ties. She underscored the long history of friendly exchanges between the two nations and highlighted the recent resumption of joint patrols along the LAC after a four-year hiatus. Ms. Ning emphasized that cooperation between India and China benefits both nations and contributes to global peace and prosperity. She further described the relationship as a “cooperative pas de deux,” a ballet dance between dragon and elephant, highlighting the mutual benefit of a strong relationship between the two largest developing nations.

Both governments celebrated the successful implementation of important common understandings reached during the October meeting, signifying a concerted effort to improve relations. The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being seen as a key opportunity to build upon the recent progress. The statements from both sides suggest a concerted effort to move past the tensions ignited by the 2020 border clashes and build a more stable and cooperative relationship.

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