India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has categorically denied a recent media report claiming that the recent improvement in India-China relations was sparked by a “secret letter” from Beijing. The ministry stated that the story, which was reported by Bloomberg, is “incorrect.”
Speaking at a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the report directly. “We have seen the report and can confirm that the story of the letter is incorrect,” Jaiswal said, urging media outlets to exercise “due responsibility” in their reporting.
The Bloomberg report had claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had sent the confidential letter to Indian President Droupadi Murmu. According to the report, the letter initiated a push to improve bilateral ties, as Beijing reportedly saw a better relationship with India as a “safeguard” against US President Donald Trump and his tariff policies.
Thawing Ties with China
Despite the denial of a secret letter, recent events have clearly signaled a thaw in relations between the two Asian giants. The Chinese foreign minister recently visited India, and most notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 25th meeting of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCO).
The meeting was PM Modi’s first visit to China in seven years. The two leaders discussed a wide range of crucial topics, including the long-standing border issue. In a subsequent press release, the MEA confirmed that both leaders reaffirmed that the two countries should be seen as development partners, not rivals, and that their differences should not escalate into disputes. PM Modi also extended an invitation to President Xi to attend the BRICS Summit that India will be hosting in 2026.
Navigating Tensions with the US
The recent developments with China come amid ongoing trade tensions between India and the US. US President Donald Trump recently commented on his relationship with PM Modi, stating he would “always be friends” with him and praising him as a “great prime minister.” However, Trump added a qualifier, saying, “I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment.”
In a public response on X, PM Modi said he “deeply appreciates” and “fully reciprocates” President Trump’s sentiments and “positive assessment” of their ties. He affirmed that the two nations share a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.”
This exchange followed the US imposing a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports. The initial 25 percent duty was followed by an additional 25 percent, which the US cited as a response to India’s purchases of Russian oil. India, in turn, called the US action “unjustified” and accused the country of unfairly targeting it for its trade with Russia.