India, China both victims of terrorism, says Modi in talks with Xi

Beijing: Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of cross-border terrorism during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling for India–China cooperation to combat the menace as “both countries are its victims.”

Briefing reporters, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said terrorism was flagged by Modi as a “priority” issue. “The prime minister underlined that this is something that impacts both India and China. It is important that we extend understanding and support to each other as we combat cross-border terrorism,” he said.

Misri noted that Beijing has extended “understanding and cooperation” to New Delhi on the matter in the context of the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The remarks are being seen as a hint that the SCO declaration, to be released on Monday, may include a reference to terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Pakistan, a close ally of China, has often shielded Islamabad-based terrorists from being designated at the UN Security Council.

Modi and Xi also discussed rebuilding strained bilateral ties, which were hit by the four-year-long border standoff in eastern Ladakh. The disengagement process was completed only in October last year.

On whether Modi specifically raised the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the reported use of Chinese equipment by the Pakistan Army, Misri declined to elaborate. “All I’ll say is that the issue was discussed. The prime minister outlined India’s position crisply and specifically, and asked for China’s support,” he said.

The prime minister arrived in China on Saturday for a two-day visit, his first in seven years, to attend the SCO summit.