China Calls for Stronger Russia-India-China Cooperation After Putin’s India Visit

Beijing: China has said that strong cooperation among China, Russia and India is important for regional stability, global peace and the shared interests of the Global South. The response came after Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his high-profile visit to India and held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told the media on Monday that China, Russia and India are all major emerging economies and key members of the Global South. He said that sound relations among the three countries are not only in their national interest but also help in ensuring peace, security, stability and prosperity at the regional and global levels.

Putin’s visit to India was closely watched in Beijing, given China’s strong and stable relationship with Russia. Responding to a question about Putin’s remarks on Beijing and New Delhi ahead of his India visit, Guo said China is ready to work with both Russia and India to promote steady development of bilateral and trilateral relations.

Ahead of his visit, Putin had described India and China as Russia’s closest friends and said Moscow deeply values its relationship with both countries. On India-China ties, Guo said China is prepared to handle bilateral relations with India from a long-term and strategic perspective. He added that Beijing aims to promote steady and sustained development of ties with New Delhi for the benefit of both nations and their people, and to contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond.

Referring to the current efforts to normalise India-China relations after the Eastern Ladakh military standoff that led to a freeze in ties from 2020 until last year, Guo said China wants to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation with India with a forward-looking approach.

In his interview before the India visit, Putin also said he believes the leaderships of both India and China are committed to resolving their issues through dialogue. He made it clear that Russia has “no right” to interfere in bilateral matters between New Delhi and Beijing. Putin’s comments on India-China relations were widely highlighted by Chinese official media.

The state-run Xinhua carried Putin’s remarks rejecting US accusations over India’s purchase of Russian oil. It was also pointed out that China continues to be the largest buyer of Russian oil and gas and has firmly rejected US calls to stop imports as punishment against Moscow for the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Putin visited India from December 4 to 5. This was his first India visit since 2021. During the visit, India and Russia signed several agreements to strengthen trade and economic cooperation. Both sides also finalised an Economic Cooperation Programme to raise bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030.