Prime Minister Modi’s remarks on India-China relations during a Lex Fridman podcast emphasize a return to normalcy at the border post-2020 tensions. He advocates for a constructive relationship despite inherent differences, which has been positively received in China. Experts suggest these statements point to a pragmatic approach towards building bilateral ties, with both nations striving for stability and cooperation as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

During a recent podcast hosted by Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke positively about the evolving relationship between India and China, coining the term “Dragon-Elephant dance”. He emphasized a move towards restoring normalcy at the border, acknowledging the friction stemming from the 2020 incidents. Modi stated, “After my recent meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, we have seen a return to normalcy at the border. We are now working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong relationship, despite inherent differences. He remarked, “Of course, differences are natural. When two neighboring countries exist, occasional disagreements are bound to happen. Even within a family, not everything is always perfect.” The focus, he stated, is on preventing these issues from escalating into disputes.

In response to Modi’s comments, China’s Global Times featured insights from experts, highlighting Modi’s pragmatic approach towards enhancing China-India ties. Qian Feng from Tsinghua University noted that Modi’s remarks reflect a commitment to nurturing bilateral relations, which have seen positivity since the Kazan summit. He acknowledged the implementation of agreements reached in past engagements during the recent 32nd Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination meeting.

The longstanding tensions along the India-China border have fueled cautious optimism recently. Modi expressed hope that relations could improve, stating, “We are working to restore conditions to how they were before 2020.” Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the relationship should not be overly defined by border disputes but should focus on mutual growth and partnership.

Chinese officials have welcomed Modi’s remarks, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stating China is ready to work alongside India to implement agreed-upon strategies and strengthen ties as both nations approach the landmark 75-year diplomatic anniversary. Mao highlighted the historical significance of China-India exchanges, noting their contributions to global civilization.

Although competition between the nations remains unavoidable, Modi advocates that it should not breed hostility. He reiterated the need for both countries to bolster their relationship despite their differences, emphasizing that they should work towards ensuring that these differences do not escalate into conflicts. The ongoing diplomatic dialogue is essential for maintaining stability and fostering mutual growth in their international rapport.

The recent statements by Prime Minister Modi reflect a hopeful outlook towards improved relations between India and China, emphasizing an amicable approach to navigating differences. Both leaders seem committed to restoring stability at the border and enhancing cooperative dialogues as they approach their diplomatic milestone. Ultimately, the prospect of a resilient relationship hinges on their ability to continuously manage and address challenges collaboratively.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com

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