President Xi says India, China ‘friends, partners’ in Republic Day message

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 26, 2026 at 10:14 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

On India's Republic Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed a message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu, referring to China and India as "good neighbours, friends, and partners." This comes as relations between the two nations have been improving after a period of border tensions and economic curbs following clashes in 2020. Despite previous restrictions, bilateral trade between China and India has exceeded $130 billion annually. The improved relations and Xi's message are occurring in the context of renewed trade tensions with the United States under President Trump, which have impacted both Indian and Chinese economic interests through significant tariffs. Both countries appear to be drawing closer as a result of the US trade policies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Canada 30% Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 40% TikTok 40% Narendra Modi 50% Droupadi Murmu 60% United States ×370% Donald Trump ×270% Xi Jinping ×390% China ×890% India ×790%

Keywords

china-india relations 100% bilateral ties 80% trade war 70% border tensions 60% economic curbs 60% tariffs 60% xi jinping 50% republic day 50% global trade 40% narendra modi 40%