Ahead of Xi-Modi BRICS meet, China calls for cooperation, says 'handle differences'

China has called for a stable and cooperative relationship with India ahead of President Xi Jinping's bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong said Beijing is ready to work with New Delhi on managing differences while expanding cooperation and communication between the two countries.

China calls for long-term approach

In a post on X on Friday, Xu said India and China should approach their relationship from a broader and longer-term perspective.

“China will work with India to act on the strategic guidance of the two leaders, handle the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, step up communication, enhance cooperation, properly handle differences, and be friends enjoying good-neighborliness and partners helping each other succeed," the Chinese envoy wrote on X.

Xu also confirmed that arrangements were being made for Xi and Modi to hold a bilateral meeting. He said the meeting would mark the third consecutive year in which the two leaders have met, following their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.

Xi-Modi talks in focus

Xi is set to arrive in New Delhi on Saturday for the 18th BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to India in nearly seven years.

The meeting comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilise ties following the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff. Diplomatic engagement has increased in recent months, including discussions between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the boundary question and broader bilateral relations.

At their latest Special Representatives' talks in Beijing, the two countries reached an eight-point consensus and agreed to continue discussions on boundary delimitation and border management.

China's BRICS agenda

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Xi will address the summit and exchange views with other leaders on international developments, BRICS cooperation and ways to deepen practical collaboration.

“We are committed to promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue. We look forward to working with fellow BRICS countries to promote dialogue and negotiation to resolve differences and jointly safeguard regional and global peace and stability," Ning said at a press briefing on Friday.

India is hosting the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13, with the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine adding significance to the leaders' discussions.