New Delhi: In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, China assured New Delhi of its support in combating terrorism, marking a notable convergence between the two Asian giants on a matter that has long been a source of India’s security concerns.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, briefing reporters after the meeting, confirmed that Prime Minister Modi placed terrorism at the forefront of discussions. “The Prime Minister outlined his understanding very crisply and specifically. He underlined the fact that terrorism is a scourge that both India and China have been victims of,” Misri said. Modi urged Beijing to acknowledge the destabilising impact of cross-border terror networks emanating from Pakistan and requested stronger cooperation in addressing the threat.
Responding to India’s concerns, President Xi conveyed China’s willingness to stand with India in the fight against terrorism. While Beijing stopped short of naming Pakistan, officials stressed that Xi’s assurance reflects a recognition that terror is a shared challenge, transcending bilateral disputes. Misri stated, “The Chinese have expressed their support,” without elaborating further on the contours of cooperation.
China’s expression of solidarity is diplomatically significant, given Beijing’s historically close ties with Islamabad and its tendency to shield Pakistan from international censure, particularly at the United Nations. Analysts suggest this could mark a tactical recalibration by China, aimed at stabilising ties with India amid shifting global alignments and economic priorities.
Both leaders acknowledged that India and China have faced terror attacks within their borders India through decades of Pakistan-backed insurgency and cross-border strikes, and China through separatist violence in Xinjiang. By framing terrorism as a common adversary, Modi and Xi appeared to signal that cooperation on security could become a foundation for broader trust-building measures.
The discussion on terrorism came alongside talks on trade, border stability, and regional cooperation. With India’s ties with the United States currently strained over tariffs, New Delhi’s outreach to Beijing carries added weight. By securing China’s verbal support against cross-border terrorism, India also seeks to weaken Islamabad’s traditional diplomatic cover in Beijing.
While the extent of China’s commitment remains to be tested in practice, New Delhi views Xi’s assurance as a positive signal. For India, the challenge lies in translating China’s stated support into tangible outcomes whether in multilateral platforms like the UN or in limiting Beijing’s diplomatic backing of Pakistan.
The latest development underscores how terrorism remains a central prism in India’s foreign policy and highlights New Delhi’s determination to keep its neighbours accountable while seeking alignment with major powers.