On the occasion of India’s Republic Day, China struck a notably cordial tone, with President Xi Jinping conveying warm greetings and emphasising a cooperative vision for ties between the two Asian giants. At a time when India is facing economic pressure amid US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, Beijing’s message highlighted partnership, mutual benefit and regional stability.
In his message to President Droupadi Murmu on the 77th Republic Day, Xi described India and China as “good neighbours, friends and partners,” stressing that cooperation between the two countries serves their fundamental national interests. He said that a stable and constructive relationship between New Delhi and Beijing also contributes positively to global peace and prosperity in an increasingly uncertain world.
Xi reiterated China’s view that India-China relations should be based on mutual support and shared success. Using the familiar metaphor of the “dragon and the elephant dancing together,” he said this imagery best captures the correct and forward-looking path for the two nations, symbolising harmony, coordination and collective growth rather than rivalry or confrontation.
Echoing this sentiment, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong underlined that it is the right choice for both countries to act as good neighbours and reliable partners. He said China and India should help each other succeed and deepen cooperation, reinforcing the idea that collaboration between the dragon and the elephant can bring stability and opportunity to the region.
President Xi also expressed hope that both sides would remain committed to the understanding that they are partners in cooperation and development. He called for stronger strategic communication, expanded people-to-people exchanges, deeper economic and cultural cooperation, and a sincere effort to address each other’s concerns in order to ensure the healthy and stable growth of bilateral ties.
On the same occasion, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a separate congratulatory message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, further reinforcing Beijing’s effort to project goodwill and continuity in engagement with New Delhi.
Relations between India and China, which had remained strained following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020, have shown signs of gradual improvement in recent years. This shift followed high-level engagements between the two leaders, including their meetings in Kazan in 2024 and later in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in August 2025.
During these interactions, both sides agreed to work towards deepening bilateral ties, addressing pressing regional and global challenges, and seeking a fair and lasting resolution to outstanding border issues. Since then, several confidence-building measures have been taken to normalise relations after the prolonged military face-off along the Line of Actual Control.
India has resumed granting tourist visas to Chinese nationals, which had been suspended at the start of the standoff, and both sides have agreed to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. Other steps include the resumption of direct flights, commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and measures to ease visa processes, with direct air connectivity resuming in October. Together, these moves reflect cautious but tangible progress toward rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two neighbours.
