PM Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping Meet

The town of Mamallapuram had historical linkages with the Fujian province of China. PM Modi accompanied the President on the visit to three iconic monuments. These iconic monuments were Arjuna’s Penance, the Shore Temple, and the Panch Rathas. They also enjoyed a cultural programme at the temple complex. 

Discussion Of The Trading Links Between Fu Qian And Mamallapuram 

The foreign secretary of India, Vijay Gokhale said in a press conference that the discussion between PM Modi and President Xi went on for nearly five hours. PM Modi explained the importance of the world heritage site. The two leaders also discussed national visions and government priorities. Economic issues, investment opportunities, trade deficit, and trade-related issues were also discussed. 

The India China Relationship

China became India’s largest trading partner in 2008. The countries also exchange their strategic and military relations. 1st April 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries that started in 1950. It’s a significant day to celebrate the India China Relationship. India was the first non-socialist country to establish relations with China. The phrase ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai’ also became famous. 

India’s Response To The Recent India China Clashes 

The clashes between India and China have been getting worse in recent months. The issue of dispute is the border in the Himalayan region. In 2020, the first fatal clash between the two countries took place since 1975 at the Galwan Valley. 

India acknowledged its deaths, whereas China did not report any comments on its fatalities. India accused China of creating military tensions at the border. This was taken as India’s response to the recent India China clashes. China denied the charges and blamed India in return for the stand-off. China also accused India of firing shots at its troops. 

Background Of India China Relations 

India and China used to maintain historical peace for thousands of years. After the rule of the communist party in China, the two countries have tried to seek economic cooperation. Border disputes and economic nationalism in both countries became a major point of contention.

In 1950, India cut formal ties with the Republic of China and accepted the people’s republic of China as the legitimate government. It laid out the historical background of India China relations. 

Both the countries hold regional powers and are the two most populous countries with the fastest growing economies in the world. The silk route has turned out to be one of the major trade routes between India and China and is also credited for facilitating the spread of Buddhism from India to the eastern part of Asia. 

Resetting Ties Strained By Border Disputes

The summit held in Mamallapuram was scheduled after China navigated a trade war with the US and also handled protests with Hong Kong. India was also trying to revive an economy that was seeing the slowest expansion in the past six years. It was a big event to reset the ties between the India China relationship. 

China also supported the neighbouring country Pakistan regarding India’s decision to revoke the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi expressed annoyance over this issue. 

The priority of the meeting was to reset ties relating to the Kashmir issue and border tensions. 

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership was also an important focus. China is India’s second-largest partner in trade. They have a current two-way trade of $87 billion and the two countries targeted a trade of $100 billion by 2020. 

Challenges Of The Summit 

One of the challenges faced by the two countries to make this summit productive could be China’s unequivocal support for Pakistan in the Kashmir issue. Just a few days before the summit, President Xi hosted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing and described their relationship with Islamabad as a unique strategic partnership. He supported Islamabad’s interests and key concerns about Kashmir. 

The Foreign Ministry of India responded that Kashmir is an integral part of India and other countries hold no position to comment on the internal affairs of India. This marked India’s response to the recent India China clashes. 

India and China were also going through five decades-old border issues before the summit. The background of the India China relations shows that the two countries first clashed during a border conflict in 1962. 

The last round of informal talks between India and China were also on border issues. 

Progress Of The Summit

The regulatory procedure was simplified by the Chinese side. Basmati rice, agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and sugar trade routes were simplified by the Chinese. Both the leaders agreed on a constructive approach to handle their issues and worked keeping the larger context in mind. During the summit, Modi and Xi also discussed strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. 

Statement On Terrorism

PM Modi and President Xi recognised the common threat posed by terrorism. They strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both the leaders committed themselves to cooperate on counter-terrorism. 

Conclusion

The two leaders talked about issues of bilateral and global importance in the informal summit. They talked about terrorism, climate change, and working together to build a stronger Asia. PM Modi listed five elements that are required to achieve world peace, stability, and prosperity.

Thought, communication, cooperation, commitment, and dream are these five elements. The countries influence the world and are rising steadily. A bright future can be seen for India-china cooperation. Communication in the matter of border affairs is also strengthened to maintain the India China relationship.