Xi Jinping’s trip to India and Nepal ‘was a much-needed win for China at critical time’

Few tangible results from Chinese president’s unofficial summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as leaders steer clear of touchy subjects

But trade talks commitment with New Delhi a diplomatic victory, analyst says, while Xi also shored up Kathmandu’s support for belt and road scheme

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There were plenty of photo opportunities when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) and Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the coastal town of Mamallapuram on Saturday. Photo: DPA

Published: 8:45am, 15 Oct 2019Updated: 2:49pm, 15 Oct 2019

There were few tangible results from Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the weekend, but analysts said his whirlwind three-day visit to India and Nepal was a much-needed success for Beijing.

As its geopolitical rivalry with Washington escalates amid talk of the US and Chinese economies decoupling and fresh rows over Hong Kong and Xinjiang, Xi’s visit saw trade ties elevated between Beijing and New Delhi despite their often testy relations.

With 20 deals signed during his brief trip to Nepal – covering railway, port and energy projects – Xi also managed to shore up Kathmandu’s support for the Belt and Road Initiative, his signature global investment and infrastructure scheme that has met with increasing suspicion and resistance elsewhere.

There was little detail about what was discussed when Xi and Modi met on Friday evening and Saturday – strolling along the Bay of Bengal beach together, during a 2½-hour private dinner, or their one-on-one conversations at the historic resort town of Mamallapuram, south of Chennai.

But most analysts agreed, based on official statements released separately by the two sides, that the Indian visit was more symbolic than substantial as both leaders sought to steer clear of touchy bilateral issues – from Kashmir to the belt and road plan and Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.

“The summit was big on pomp, pageantry and nice-sounding phrases but short on tangible results,” said Brahma Chellaney, professor of strategic studies at the New Delhi-based Centre for Policy Research.