Xi calls for ‘elephant-dragon tango’ on 75th anniv of India-China ties

In a message marking the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed on partnership between India and China for “mutual achievement” and the need to do the “dragon-elephant tango” to serve their fundamental interests.

Apart from President Xi’s message to his counterpart Murmu, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Narendra Modi too exchanged congratulatory messages.

Murmu said a stable, predictable and friendly bilateral relationship will benefit both countries and the world.

President Xi said China and India, both ancient civilisations, major developing countries and important members of the Global South, are at a critical stage of their modernisation efforts. He added he was ready to work with Murmu to enhance trust and strengthen exchanges in various fields.

Later, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, said there was an opportunity to rebuild the ties. He reiterated a caveat on how the two should go forward saying “peace along border areas is critical”.