China Applauds PM Modi's Historic Third Term, Eyes Strengthening India Ties Amid Border Challenges

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election for a third term were conveyed on Tuesday.

Li expressed Beijing's willingness to collaborate with New Delhi to "push forward bilateral relations in the right direction." This sentiment was reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency, highlighting that the sound and steady development of China-India relations would benefit both nations' peoples and contribute to regional and global stability and positive energy.

China Congratulates PM Modi, MEA Responds

Prime Minister Modi's third term, following his swearing-in on Sunday as the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, was marked by Li's message, which underscored China's readiness to work with India towards improving bilateral relations.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry had previously congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the BJP-led NDA coalition's electoral victory on June 5. The Ministry emphasized that advancing bilateral relations, which have been strained since the Galwan incident four years ago, is essential for both countries' futures.

In response to the congratulatory message, Randhir Jaiswal wrote, " Thank you @MFA_China for congratulating PM @narendramodi on his election victory." Further, MEA Spokesperson added, " Will continue to pursue efforts towards normalisation of India-China ties based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity."

India and China Relations

Relations between China and India have been particularly strained since the eastern Ladakh border standoff, which began on May 5, 2020, with a violent clash in the Pangong Tso area near Galwan. Despite the tensions, trade between the two countries has continued, as reported by Economics Times.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning extended congratulations on the BJP and NDA's election victory, highlighting that a healthy and stable China-India relationship benefits both countries and regional peace and development. Mao reiterated China's readiness to act in the fundamental interests of both nations and peoples, looking to advance bilateral relations on a stable track.

However, a day after these congratulatory remarks, China expressed protest over Prime Minister Modi's comments regarding closer ties with Taiwan, following a congratulatory message from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te. China views Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force if necessary, as per Economic Times.

India has been pressing for the People's Liberation Army to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas, asserting that normalcy in bilateral relations cannot be restored while border conditions remain abnormal. Meanwhile, China maintains that the boundary question does not encapsulate the entirety of China-India relations and should be managed appropriately within the broader context of bilateral relations, as per media reports.

Attention is expected to shift to the 22nd round of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the disengagement issue in the Depsang and Demchok areas once the Modi government begins its third term, which is seen as critical for reviving bilateral relations. Additionally, China appointed senior diplomat Xu Feihong as its new Ambassador to New Delhi last month, after an 18-month delay, ahead of India's parliamentary elections.