Key Takeaways
- Chinese President Xi Jinping sent Republic Day greetings to India, emphasising the importance of stable bilateral ties.
- He used the metaphor of “the dragon and the elephant dancing together” to describe the desired path for relations.
- A grand reception in Shanghai, attended by over 400 guests, highlighted cultural ties and diplomatic engagement.
- India’s Consul General stressed the need to resolve the border situation for normalising relations.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended warm Republic Day greetings to India, calling for stable and healthy bilateral relations as both nations celebrated the occasion.
In a message to President Droupadi Murmu, Xi described China and India as “important neighbours” and ancient civilisations with a shared future. He stated that strong ties are in the fundamental interest of both peoples and benefit regional and global peace.
“The healthy and stable development of China-India relations is in the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples, and is also conducive to peace and development in the region and the world at large,” Xi said.
Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Murmu to steer relations onto the right track, using the symbolic phrase “the dragon and the elephant dancing together”.
Shanghai Celebrates with Grand Reception
Simultaneously, the Indian Consulate in Shanghai hosted a major Republic Day reception. The event saw over 400 attendees, including Shanghai government officials, diplomats, business leaders, academics, and the Indian diaspora.
Consul General Shri Nagaraj Naidu hoisted the national flag and read excerpts from President Murmu’s address. In his speech, he noted “significant progress” in ties, pointing to recent high-level exchanges and a consensus between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi to stabilise the relationship.
Naidu underscored that resolving the border situation was crucial for restoring peace and normalising bilateral relations.
The celebration featured vibrant cultural performances by Indian artists and students, showcasing classical and folk dances, followed by a traditional Indian culinary experience for guests.
