The two leaders have met on the sidelines of the SCO summit as both nations look to stabilize relations following long-standing border tensions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin on Sunday, marking a key diplomatic engagement as New Delhi and Beijing move to stabilize relations. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, hosted by China this weekend.

This is Modi's first visit to China since 2018. The meeting follows months of efforts by both countries to restore ties strained by prolonged border tensions. The leaders previously met last October in Kazan, Russia at the BRICS summit.

"Our relationship got a positive direction. There is peace and stability on the borders," Modi said. He also noted the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, an important pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Manasarovar in the Tibetan autonomous region of China, as well as plans to resume direct flights between the two nations.

"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 taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity," Modi stated.

The meeting comes as the two nations work to restore ties after a prolonged chill triggered by a deadly border clash in June 2020. It also takes place against the backdrop of Washington's recent 50% tariffs on India, which were imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump in response to the country's trade policies and continued oil trade with Russia.

(RT.com)