This is what Xi Jinping said to India on Republic Day — And why it matters

Quoting Xi’s message to President Droupadi Murmu, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong wrote on X, “It should be the right choice for China and India to be good-neighbourly friends and partners that help each other succeed, and have the dragon and the elephant dance together.”

Xi’s remarks come amid a gradual improvement in ties between the two Asian neighbours over the past few months.

Relations between India and China had remained strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat. Following the incident, the border between the two countries was heavily militarised.

However, ties have shown signs of thawing in recent months, marked by increased diplomatic engagements and high-level interactions. A significant moment came in October 2024 during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks.

The main Republic Day celebrations were held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu presiding over the ceremonial proceedings.

This year, Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, attended the event as chief guests.