China Says It Is “Ready To Manage Differences” Ahead Of PM Modi-Xi Meeting

China has said it is ready to work with India to “properly manage differences” and strengthen communication ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi. Beijing described the two countries as neighbours that should work towards greater cooperation and contribute to each other’s development.

Xi’s visit marks his first trip to India since 2019 and comes as ties between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have shown signs of a cautious improvement. Relations had deteriorated sharply after the deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in 2020. In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the Line of Actual Control, helping create conditions for renewed high-level political engagement.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was prepared to follow the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries and approach bilateral relations from a long-term perspective. She said China wanted to strengthen communication, expand cooperation and manage differences appropriately, while describing the desired relationship as one based on good-neighbourliness and mutual benefit.

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The meeting between Modi and Xi will be the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met. Their most recent formal bilateral talks took place during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin in August 2025, providing another public indication of improving ties. Flights, visa arrangements and high-level exchanges between the two countries have also gradually resumed as efforts continue to stabilise the relationship.

Beijing also expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation among BRICS members during the summit. Mao said Xi would deliver a speech and hold discussions with leaders on the international situation, the development of the BRICS mechanism and deeper practical cooperation. China said it would work with other BRICS partners to ensure that cooperation within the grouping continues to make steady progress.

BRICS was established in 2009 as a platform for major emerging economies seeking greater influence in global institutions traditionally dominated by Western powers. The grouping has since expanded to include countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The expanded bloc brings together countries with differing geopolitical positions, making coordination on international issues an important part of its agenda.

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