Politics makes strange bedfellows and this was evident as PM Modi and Xi Jinping met in China after seven years as both countries face a common adversary in US President Donald Trump who has shaken the world by imposing tariffs.

While India is reeling under total punitive tariffs to the extent of 50 per cent, China too is under threat — 200 per cent tariffs if it doesn’t hand over rare-earth magnets to the US.

The meeting is to safeguard interests of respective countries and also finding a common ground to work on in this part of the world. Sunday’s meeting is important in more ways than one as both countries would chalk out a new path albeit cautiously. The meeting was bereft of the usual Modi’s overbearing bear hug and the Chinese counterpart offered a handshake which was a studied one.

The two leaders welcomed the positivity but there was no mention of the common adversary. It was obvious that the US remained the elephant in the room. This meeting sparks a new beginning and a much needed thaw in Indo-China relations. It is their first meeting in 10 months, following the breakthrough in Russia.

Xi spoke of choosing friendship in a world “swept by once-in-a-century transformations” and “chaos”. PM Modi stressed strategic autonomy, cautioning against viewing India-China ties through the lens of a third country.

The meeting was conspicuous by the absence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as they committed to stability and cooperation, a quiet wariness remained. For all the talk of the “dragon” and “elephant” dancing, trust doesn’t come easy.

Common Ground

Peaceful borders: Recommit to calm and fair solution

Partners, not rivals: Differences must not means disputes

Stronger Asia: For growth & multipolar world

Strategic autonomy: No third party influence

Boost people ties: Flights, visas, Kailash Yatras

Trade Focus: Expand ties, cut deficit

Wider cooperation: Terror, trade, global issues

SCO-BRICS support: India backs China (SCO), China backs India (BRICS 2026) Xi invited to BRICS summit, Xi accepted, pledged support Support boundary talks via special representatives