Xi Jinping Tells PM Modi: ‘Dragon And Elephant Must Come Together’ At SCO Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of India and China strengthening ties, saying it is vital for the "dragon and the elephant to come together." He made the remarks during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.

"The world is undergoing transformation. China and India are two of the most civilizational countries. We are the world's two most populous nations and key members of the Global South," Xi said. "It is essential to be friends, good neighbours, and for the Dragon and the Elephant to come together."

Xi highlighted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, stressing that both countries need to manage their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective.

He added, "We must also rise to our historic responsibilities by upholding multilateralism, a multipolar world, and enhancing democracy within international institutions, working together for peace and prosperity in Asia and globally."

Prime Minister Modi arrived in China on Saturday to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin. This marks Modi's first visit to China in seven years, amid strained ties following the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

It has been nearly a year since Modi and Xi last met, in October 2024, after which the two countries announced a breakthrough in negotiations aimed at resolving their military standoff along the LAC.