In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China.
A Shared Threat: India Seeks China’s Cooperation
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that PM Modi flagged cross-border terrorism as a “priority concern”, emphasizing that both India and China are victims of this menace. Modi urged Beijing to extend mutual understanding and support in combating terrorism, particularly in the context of threats emanating from Pakistan-based groups.
“The Prime Minister underlined that this is something that impacts both India and China, and we need to extend understanding and support to each other,” Misri stated during a media briefing.
Rebuilding Bilateral Relations
The meeting also focused on restoring bilateral ties, which had been strained due to the four-year border standoff in eastern Ladakh, resolved in October 2024. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of peace and tranquility along the border as a foundation for healthy relations.
PM Modi reiterated that a stable India-China relationship is essential for the development of 2.8 billion people and for shaping a multipolar world order.
SCO Summit: A Platform for Regional Security
The SCO Summit served as a strategic platform for member states to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts. Modi’s remarks are expected to influence the SCO declaration, potentially including stronger language against terrorism originating from Pakistan.
