Chinese President, Xi Jinping has wished Indian President Droupadi Murmu congratulations on the South Asian nation’s Republic Day, hailing ties between both countries.
Xi said that Beijing and New Delhi are “good neighbours, friends and partners” as the two Asian giants continue to improve ties in the wake of United States President Donald Trump’s tariff war, which has shaken global trade.
According to official Chinese news agency reports, Xi said that over the past year, China-India relations have continued to improve and develop and are of “great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.”
India marked its 77th Republic Day today with an impressive display of its cultural diversity, economic growth, and military prowess that included missiles, warplanes, newly-raised units and lethal weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended the celebrations as chief guests, marking a rare moment of European Union participation in India’s national event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats and civil servants were among those present.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen described her presence as a Chief guest in today’s Republic Day celebrations as an honour of a lifetime. She said that a successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous and secure, “which benefits all of us.”
In his message, President Xi referred to China and India as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together.” Xi said that he hoped that both sides would expand exchanges and cooperation and address each other’s concerns to promote healthy and stable relations.
Stressing that it is the “right choice” for the two sides to tango, Chinese Envoy to India Xu Feihong joined in, saying, “It should be the right choice for China and India to be good neighbourly friends and partners who help each other succeed, and have the dragon and the elephant dance together.”
The Chinese President’s warm words come as Beijing and New Delhi have reset their ties following nearly four years of border tensions and economic curbs that followed the 2020 border clashes that killed at least 20 Indian soldiers.
Four Chinese soldiers were also reportedly killed in the border conflict. Following the 2020 border skirmish, India banned Chinese-owned social media giant TikTok and imposed curbs on Chinese investment in the world’s most populous nation. However, bilateral trade between the two neighbours continued, crossing an annual $130bn.
The two Asian giants started to rebuild ties in October 2024, when Xi met Modi in Kazan, Russia, during a BRICS summit. India and China are the founding members of the BRICS grouping, which Trump has criticised. It was Modi and Xi’s first formal talks in five years.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to China last August to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin and said he was committed to improving bilateral ties, indicating a growing closeness to Beijing, days after the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods.
Trump unleashed his trade war after returning to power last year, affecting Indian and Chinese economic interests, along with many others. Indian exports to the US now face a tariff of 50 percent – among the highest in the world – while Chinese goods are subjected to more than 30 percent tariff.
China,India Move To Boost Ties Amid Border Issues
Though complex border issues remain to be addressed, the two countries have moved to boost ties. Last October, India and China announced to resume direct flights after five years. India is also planning to ease curbs on Chinese investment in India.
The Asian neighbors have also eased visa restrictions for each other’s citizens over the last year.
A number of global leaders also extended greetings to India on the 77th Republic Day. French President Emmanuel Macron wished his “dear” Indian friends on the 77th Republic Day.
US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio extended Washington’s wishes and claimed that the US-India relationship delivers “real results.” Several Governors and leaders from the US posted video messages extending greetings
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