Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns over cross-border terrorism during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, urging stronger cooperation between India and China to combat the menace that affects both nations.
Tianjin: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday voiced strong concerns over cross-border terrorism during his bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stressed that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to peace and stability in the region and urged China to work closely with India to counter the menace, noting that both countries have been its victims.
Terrorism Highlighted As A Priority
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, in a media briefing after the meeting, said the Prime Minister placed the issue of cross-border terrorism at the top of his agenda.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing the media after the talks, said: “Cross-border terrorism was mentioned by the Prime Minister as a priority. He underlined that this is something that impacts both India and China. It is therefore important that we extend understanding and support to each other as both of us combat cross-border terrorism.”
India Seeks China’s Support Against Terror
Misri noted that China has shown cooperation and understanding on the issue of cross-border terrorism in the context of the ongoing SCO Summit. His remarks are being seen as a signal that the joint SCO declaration, expected on Monday, may include strong language criticising or condemning terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
China has traditionally been Pakistan’s closest ally and has, in the past, blocked India’s efforts to list Pakistan-based terrorists under United Nations Security Council sanctions. Modi’s renewed emphasis is being viewed as a step to bring Beijing on board in countering terrorism more effectively.
Focus On Rebuilding Strained Bilateral Ties
The Modi–Xi talks also covered a wider agenda, including efforts to stabilise and rebuild India-China relations that had deteriorated due to the prolonged border standoff in eastern Ladakh. That impasse, which began in 2020, was officially resolved with disengagement in October last year.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of “peace and tranquillity along the border” as the basis for strengthening ties and agreed to work towards a partnership built on mutual respect and sensitivity.
Specific Terror Attacks Not Mentioned
When asked whether Modi raised the recent Pahalgam terror attack or the alleged use of Chinese equipment by the Pakistan Army, Foreign Secretary Misri declined to provide details.
He only said that the Prime Minister conveyed his position “crisply and specifically,” stressing that India continues to face terrorism and expects China’s support in addressing the issue.
Modi’s Two-Day China Visit
The Prime Minister arrived in China on Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. He is attending the 25th SCO Heads of State Council Summit in Tianjin, where leaders from across the region are engaging in discussions on security, stability, and cooperation.