Modi-Xi meeting puts India, China in diplomatic upswing: Key takeaways

India and China accelerated the thaw in their bilateral ties at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with China's Xi Jinping -- a huddle that has attracted positive reactions from both sides.

Xi told PM Modi on that it is the "right choice" for the two countries to be "friends", asserting that the elephant and dragon should dance together for each other’s success.

This was their first meeting in about ten months and it assumed significance in view of a sudden downturn in India-US ties triggered by Donald Trump's policies on trade and tariffs.

China-India agreements

The two Asian leaders made breakthrough agreements at the sidebar in Tianjin on Sunday.

The Chinese leader said its border issues with India should not determine the overall ties between the South Asian giants. Pushing the 'Dragon and Elephant' narrative, Xi said he will promote a sustained, healthy, and stable development of bilateral relations.

Another key takeaway from the meeting was the announcement of resumption of direct flights between India and China, which had been grounded since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just this year, Beijing had resumed the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet for Indian passport holders.

"Special representatives from both sides have agreed upon border management. The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage has started again. Direct flights between the two countries are also resuming," PM Modi said at the meeting.

India and China had also allowed border trade following foreign minister-level talks earlier this month to minimise hefty tariffs from the Untied States -- which both New Delhi and Beijing are facing.

Chinese diplomats have also agreed to discuss a supply of rare earth minerals, fertilisers and tunnel boring machines to India.

The Indian prime minister said "the interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation.

This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to take forward our ties on the basis of mutual trust, dignity and sensitivity."

Russian President Vladimir Putin touched down in Tianjin on Sunday with an entourage of senior politicians and business representatives.

PM Modi was seen walking into the SCO summit in a troika consisting of Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus -- with 16 more countries affiliated as observers or "dialogue partners".