BEIJING/NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping has described India as a “good neighbour, friend and partner” in a Republic Day message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, underscoring the importance of stable bilateral ties between the two Asian powers.
According to China’s official Xinhua news agency, Xi highlighted that China-India relations have steadily improved over the past year and called their cooperation “of great significance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.”
Referring to the two nations as the “dragon and the elephant dancing together,” Xi expressed hope that both sides would continue expanding exchanges, deepen cooperation, and address mutual concerns to promote healthy and stable relations. He reiterated China’s long-standing view that fostering neighbourly and friendly relations with India is the “right choice” for both countries.
The message comes as China and India continue efforts to stabilise ties following years of tension along their poorly demarcated 3,800-kilometre border. Relations were severely strained after a 2020 clash in the Himalayas, which left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead and led to heavy militarisation in the region.
Since last year, both countries have sought to improve relations through a series of high-level bilateral visits and dialogue. Direct flights resumed in 2025, and trade and investment flows have increased, signalling a mutual desire to normalise engagement, even against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s assertive foreign policy in the region.
Xi’s Republic Day message reflects Beijing’s commitment to nurturing constructive bilateral ties while addressing sensitive issues through diplomacy. Both countries continue to balance cooperation with security concerns, aiming for stability along their shared border and in broader regional affairs.
The call for continued dialogue and strengthened partnership is seen as part of a broader effort to sustain peace, promote economic collaboration, and ensure long-term stability between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
